Appointment of Pharmac Board Chair is political cronyism
Appointment of Pharmac Board Chair is a sad example of political cronyism
31 AUGUST 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
The Minister of Health’s decision to appoint former Labour Cabinet Minister Steve Maharey as Pharmac Board Chair without advertising for the role, and in contradiction of official advice to reappoint the existing chair, is a dangerous display of cronyism, says the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union.
Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams says, “The key advantage of the Pharmac model is that it isn’t politicised. This appointment, sadly, puts that under threat.”
“Taxpayers expect value for money from Government appointments, and that means competitive application processes, and retaining effective individuals. David Clark’s decision to hand pick someone with ties to the Labour Party, rather than follow official advice and usual processes, fails on both measures.”
ENDS