David Carter National MP

21 March 2004

Labour-ing over the truth

What faith can the public have in a Government whose Ministers 'dance on the head of a pin' when it comes to dealing with the truth, says National MP David Carter.

He is responding to newspaper reports today that suggest ACC Minister Ruth Dyson was wrong when she responded to written parliamentary questions in December by saying there had been no claims of workplace stress at ACC.

According to today's reports Ms Dyson had received letters informing her of overwork, stress and bullying by ACC management. "The dust has only just settled on the way she answered parliamentary questions from my colleague Tony Ryall about a computer being bought as a 'carrot' for a young offender in return for good behaviour," says Mr Carter.

"If it hadn't been for subsequent media questions, it's likely we would have been left thinking no computer had been purchased.

"We all know now that one was.

"As a Minister, Ms Dyson has a duty to be accountable to New Zealanders on the decisions she makes and for what goes on in her departments.

"From her performance, and that of Lianne Dalziel this year, it's clear this Government is more concerned about public relations than the truth.

"Ruth Dyson and all her Government colleagues must tell the whole story when being asked parliamentary questions - anything less would be 'irresponsible'," says Mr Carter

Ends

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