Coalition policies are not about ‘needs’ or ‘race’

Rob Campbell

16 Sep 2024

Rob Campbell

One of the more absurd actions from the coalition Government came last week when the Cabinet Office Circular set out the rules for public servants to ensure that public services would be based on the “needs of all New Zealanders”.

On the face of it this sounds pretty acceptable. But a moment’s thought will tell you that it is nonsense and they do not mean it. Any number of Government actions serve the interests of specific parts of the population and not “all”. It could not be otherwise. Gun owners could tell you that, so could landlords, miners, gang members, and so on. It is true of both positive and negative actions.

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Key issues

HEALTH SERVICES AND SYSTEMS

Covering developments in the provision, funding and organisation of health care services.

EQUITY

Exploring the impacts of the health system on minorities within the population, notably including Māori, Pacifica, Asians and LGBTQI.

DRUGS, DEVICE AND DIAGNOSTICS

Covering prescription medicines and medical devices.

PUBLIC HEALTH

Focusing on efforts to promote health and prevent disease through social and economic interventions.

DIGITAL HEALTH

Exploring the potential digital transformation to provide a more connected and accessible health system.

TE TIRITI

Monitoring how the health reforms and the performance of the health sector uphold Te Tiriti obligations.