Taxpayers’ Union OIA's reveal that despite the Chief
Ombudsman's introduction of a self-assessment tool in July,
aimed at enhancing public sector transparency and adherence
to official information protocols, prominent ministries and
agencies including Waka
Kotahi, the Ministry
of Health, and the Ministry
of Justice have yet to utilize it as of
September.
Oliver Bryan, Investigations Coordinator
at the Taxpayers' Union, said, "It's a glaring irony:
departments and Ministries hesitant to use a tool explicitly
designed to enhance their transparency and reputation,
especially concerning the OIA. It's truly baffling that
ministries, which frequently find themselves under the
public microscope, are dragging their feet on a tool that
promotes better governance. Is it simply a case of old
habits dying hard? Or is there an underlying apprehension
about transparency?"
"While these ministries play
catch-up with good governance tools, one wonders how many
other departments and ministries are also stuck in the
bureaucratic doldrums. This isn't a game of hide and seek;
it's about ensuring transparency and building trust with the
taxpayers who fund these agencies."
"We urge the
incoming government to show leadership on this issue. It is
imperative to ensure all departments, irrespective of their
size, employ the Chief Ombudsman's tool. Beyond the
immediate operational advantages, this is a clear way to
signal commitment to openness and build faith with the New
Zealand
public."
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