Charles Chauvel
Labour MP Based in Ohariu

5 October 2011

Dunne ducks and dives on home help

Responses by the Associate Minister of Health and Ohariu MP Peter Dunne in relation to home help cuts by the Capital and Coast District Health Board (CCDHB) leave Ohariu-based Labour MP Charles Chauvel unimpressed.

Mr Dunne answered questions on behalf of his National colleague in Parliament today from Labour MPs in relation to reports of a 30% cut in home help funding over the past two years.

“I note that Mr Dunne has also heard from constituents within Wellington who are concerned about the proposed cuts in CCDHBs budget. But as the Associate Minister of Health and a member of the National-led Government, he seems to be either ill-informed or woefully out of touch with whatever is going on at the CCDHB”, said Chauvel.

“The public deserve answers. Reducing home help funding at best will leave people in residential care, at much higher cost to taxpayers. I shudder to think at what the worst that could come as a consequence of such heartless cuts.”

Mr Chauvel has already asked for a briefing from the CCDHB in relation to the cut in funding for care for elderly and disabled in Wellington, including the Ohariu electorate.

“Last week I wrote to the CCDHB requesting an explanation. I am looking forward to how the Board intends to explain these cuts. If Mr Dunne cannot get up to speed then Labour will. “

“Mr Dunne has access to the Government as one of its Ministers and yet has fallen asleep at the wheel. People in the northern suburbs of Wellington expect and deserve better.”

ENDS

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