No Right Turn
Last year, when the government was making a lot of noise about its goal of "closing the gap" with Australia, we were confronted with the odd sight of Economic Development Minister Gerry Brownlee claiming in the House to have targets and milestones for this goal, but refusing to say what they were.
Since then I've been engaged in a prolonged OIA battle with the Minister to force him to produce the advice on which these "milestones" were based.The answer?
Despite being given numerous interesting but irrelevant documents, its been clear from the beginning that there was no such advice - that Brownlee made up his "milestones", and in the process lied to Parliament. And today, I received confirmation of this, in the form of the Ombudsman's preliminary views on a complaint I lodged about Brownlee's answers. The Ombudsman has formed the view that Brownlee should have refused my request, on the grounds of section 18(g) of the Act - basically, that it does not exist. Why? Because the Minister had admitted it
My investigator met with the relevant officials from the Ministers office. She was advised that the answer given in the House was not based on specific advice received by Mr Brownlee either from the Ministry of Economic Development, or from the advisors in his office... It has become apparent during my investigation that there are no source documents for the answers given in the House on 27 July and 5 August 2010.
Thank you I/S for all your hard work in uncovering these incompetents.
Hat tip - The Standard
2 comments:
Marty,
I/S is quite smart- but more often than not, gets it wrong. But on the issue of GB he has got it right.
GB is a dishonest person and a politician- are the two compatible? He is completely out of his depth in Christchurch; his blanket rule on heritage buildings/sites is one bit of evidence.
He has, along with Mayor Parker, ignored the poorer suburbs of Christchurch with both of them grandstanding on the CBD; an effort- very worthy- but a PR distraction on the real need of the living.
The PM needs to fire GB and replace him with a Minister who is up to the task.
I am extra-ordinarily proud of the efforts of Mark Solomon and his "Chief-of-Staff", Anake, in what they have done since the quake- real, fine, leadership. One hopes that the malcontents who, wish to takeover Tront- might recognize what a fine leadership and management team they have and persuade Anake to stay on.
Richard Parata
P.S. I experienced the 22 Feb quake in Christchurch- lucky not to have a large bookcase bounce on my head- sure it would have been painful. Grateful I will never know.
Kia ora Richard,
Ae, I cannot see how Anake can leave now - it will take months and months to get back to Te Waipounamu House, if that can even be done this year - that hotel will have to go and then the checking and so on. I have been very proud of all Ngāi Tahu whanui and staff at TRONT for their mahi in very difficult conditions - they are heroes to me.
I/S can get it wrong sometimes but not often IMO and I tautoko your statement that he is right around this issue.
I am pleased you are okay e hoa - it must have been very frightening - kia kaha.
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