Joyce’s excuses on OIA don’t wash

Clare Curran

Communications and IT spokesperson

9 August 2010 Media Statement
Joyce’s excuses on OIA don’t wash
Communications and IT Minister Steven Joyce’s excuses for failing to release a Cabinet paper on the Government’s plans for ultrafast broadband don’t wash, Labour Communications and IT spokesperson Clare Curran says.

“To refuse to release the paper on the grounds some information may be ‘misconstrued’ shows the Government is attempting to hide information from the public,” Clare Curran said.

“Surely the Communications Minister is capable of writing a cover letter to put the information sought for release into context.

“Mr Joyce’s decision not to release a Cabinet paper because of his fear the information may be misconstrued is a form of censorship and simply isn’t good enough.

“Governments should not be able to withhold information contained in Cabinet papers on the grounds they have concerns about the way in which journalists may treat that information.

“Mr Joyce needs to stop being so precious and simply release the information,” Clare Curran said.

ENDS