So Where Is The Government Accountability Now?

act-new-zealand

Mon Jun 17 2002 12:00:00 GMT+1200 (New Zealand Standard Time)

So Where Is The Government Accountability Now?

Monday, 17 June 2002, 4:52 pm
Press Release: ACT New Zealand

Monday 17 Jun 2002

ACT Social Services Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman says today's postponement of a major conference looking at poverty and social disparities bears all the hallmarks of Government intervention and cover-up tactics.

"The reason given for the postponement is that the issues raised at the conference could be overshadowed during an election campaign.

"On the contrary, surely anything that puts this Government's handling of poverty and social disparities under the spotlight at the moment would be sure to get a great deal of attention.

"You can only conclude that the real reason for the postponement is that this Government and its Social Services Minister don't want their dismal record in this area held up for public scrutiny.

"As well as the lost opportunity for discussion of these important issues, I also understand that thousands of dollars of taxpayers money will apparently be lost due to the late cancellation of the conference.

"In Opposition Labour promised accountability and an end to a so-called culture of extravagance with taxpayers money. What a difference two-and-a-half years makes," Dr Newman said.

Ends

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

a.supporter:hover {background:#EC4438!important;} @media screen and (max-width: 480px) { #byline-block div.byline-block {padding-right:16px;}}

Using Scoop for work?

Scoop is free for personal use, but you’ll need a licence for work use. This is part of our Ethical Paywall and how we fund Scoop. Join today with plans starting from less than $3 per week, plus gain access to exclusive Pro features.

Join Pro Individual Find out more

Find more from ACT New Zealand on InfoPages.