Minister rejects calls for Auditor General investigation

Minister of Health David Cunliffe today rejected commissioning another Auditor General’s report into the affairs of Hawke’s Bay District Health Board.

“I am satisfied that the Director General of Health has instituted a proper legal process in requesting an independent investigative review of alleged conflicts of interest.

Mr Cunliffe said the Office of the Auditor General had already reviewed the affairs of the HBDHB in 2007. That report noted there was an independent review underway.

“It is unfortunate that the former HBDHB members sought to delay this release Director General’s report by way of injunction.

Mr Cunliffe was disappointed at attempts by opposition parties to mislead the public over the Director General’s report.

“Mr Ryall asks in his statement why I am “gagging the media”. As the report is not mine it is not possible for me to “gag” the process, rather it is Mr Ryall who is attempting to manipulate a complex situation for partisan political gain.”

“I am not involved in any legal action, to prevent any media outlet printing this leaked report.”

To repeat, I have not seen the draft Director Generals report and have no intention of seeing the report until it is completed.

Mr Ryall is confused by my role in this matter it is not my report nor have I seen the draft Director General’s report and have no intention of seeing it until it is completed.

“It is time for the National Party and its supporters to stop playing politics and allow a robust independent investigation to be concluded which is what the Director General seeks to do.”

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