Jacinda Ardern
Social Development Spokesperson
Spokesperson for Children

3 April 2012

Minister’s rebuffs hint at Green Paper agenda

A refusal by the Minister of Social Development to release submissions on her Green Paper on Vulnerable Children more than hints at another attempt to stifle debate on what is a hugely important issue, Labour’s Social Development spokesperson Jacinda Ardern says.

After several failed attempts through Official Information Act requests and Written Parliamentary Questions to gain copies of - as well as information around - the submissions to the Green Paper, Ms Ardern has today asked the ombudsman to step in.

“I am sending a letter of complaint to the ombudsman over the Ministry’s refusal to release the submissions, Paula Bennett’s refusal to even provide information on who submitted, and subsequent rebuffs following offers to narrow the request.

“The Minister has indicated that a summary of submissions will be released along with the White Paper,” Jacinda Ardern said.

“By not making submissions public (as per a Select Committee process) Ms Bennett leaves herself wide open to criticism, and deservedly so. Without that transparency the consequent White Paper will lack the independent analysis required to provide balance to the Ministry’s own objectives and agendas.

“It is especially important that these submissions be made public given Cabinet papers received via the Official Information Act show that major issues - like poverty - are viewed as ‘risks’ to be managed in the Green Paper process, rather than being seen as a key part of the debate and acknowledged.”

In order to have a robust analysis of the 8,000-plus submissions Ms Ardern is encouraging organisations within the sector and any other individual submitters who wish to ensure that their voices have been appropriately heard, to send her copies of their contributions.

“The Government’s rhetoric around the Green Paper centred on wanting to have a conversation with New Zealanders about how to improve the lives of our children.

“It’s time that the Minister stopped picking and choosing only the parts of that conversation she wants to hear,” said Jacinda Ardern.

Anyone wishing to share their submissions can email jacinda.ardern@parliament.govt.nz

ENDS

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