GCSB status formalised
Prime Minister Helen Clark says that the status of the Government Communications Security Bureau will be formalised in legislation introduced to Parliament this week. The bureau contributes to national security through the collection and reporting of foreign signals intelligence. It also gives advice and assistance to New Zealand government departments and agencies on the security of their information-processing systems. It operates two collection stations: the high frequency radio interception and direction-finding station at Tangimoana, near Bulls, and the satellite communications interception station at Waihopai, near Blenheim. The Government Communications Security Bureau Bill formalises in statute the existing executive arrangements which establish the GCSB and authorise its activities, and puts the bureau on a similar legislative footing to that of the Security Intelligence Service. Helen Clark says the bill is another step towards making the work of our security and intelligence agencies as transparent as they can be given the circumstances in which they work.
Ethnic Affairs office celebrated
Prime Minister Helen Clark and Ethnic Affairs Minister George Hawkins this week officially launched the Office of Ethnic Affairs, at a function at Parliament. The office, which opened at the start of the year, is responsible for providing policy advice to the government and keeping ethnic communities informed on issues relevant to them. The Labour-Alliance administration is the first government to appoint a Minister for Ethnic Affairs. The ministers said the government has put significant resources into initiatives for ethnic communities. Projects include $560 000 for refugee resettlement support, an $11.8 million package to retrain overseas doctors and a $6.6 million increase in English as a Second Language (ESOL) funding over the next four years.
Making tax simpler
The government has released a discussion document aimed at simplifying the tax system and helping reduce stress on small business. More Time for Business was released on Thursday by Associate Revenue Minister Paul Swain and Under Secretary to the Minister of Revenue John Wright. It sets out a wide range of proposals for reducing the stress, uncertainty and risks for small businesses in meeting their tax obligations. The ministers say New Zealand is a country of small businesses, with 84 per cent having fewer than five employees. For this reason, high compliance costs are a serious concern to the government, as they inhibit productivity and effectiveness. The reports cover areas like provisional tax payments, ways of reducing exposure to penalties and interest, forms and processes that could be simplified and how new technology could save time and money for small businesses. More Time for Business is available at Bennetts Government Bookshops and at www.taxpolicy.ird.govt.nz and www.treasury.govt.nz
Running NZ's prisons
Corrections Minister Matt Robson this week released a public consultation document titled Better Corrections Law for New Zealand. It asks New Zealanders, including victims of crime, to have a say in the way our prisons are run. Matt Robson says the Penal Institutions Act is nearly 50 years old. Piecemeal changes to it have created a patchwork that is difficult to operate, out of step with the times and which may not be in tune with public opinion. Modern corrections laws are part of a three-step plan to reduce offending and ensure that the public are kept safe. Issues raised in the document include the purposes and principles behind corrections laws, as well as the way offenders are managed. For example, it asks what weapons and holds are appropriate to restrain offenders, especially when new technology such as disorienting laser beams are becoming available. Submissions close on 18 June 2001. Copies of the document are available from the Corrections Department, ph 0800 004 326. It is also available on the Department's website at www.corrections.govt.nz
Funding increase for bovine TB strategy
Agriculture Minister Jim Sutton says the government will increase its financial contribution to the national Bovine TB strategy. The government's share of funding will increase to $33.5 million a year from July 1 this year, up from $20.4 million last financial year. Jim Sutton said that as well as getting extra funding for the national Bovine TB strategy, the Animal Health Board would also be allowed to retain savings made through efficiencies, which would enable it to accelerate the vector control programme.
The Crown will fund about 50 per cent of the national Bovine TB strategy, with industry paying about 40 per cent and local councils about 10 per cent. The minister said it was possible the presence of Bovine TB in New Zealand cattle and deer herds could become a trade barrier. An effective TB control programme is vital to minimise that risk.
Public broadcasting charter released
Broadcasting Minister Marian Hobbs this week released the public broadcasting charter for Television New Zealand to be implemented from July 1, 2002. The charter is similar to that of New Zealand's other public broadcaster, Radio New Zealand and sets outs objectives and goals for TVNZ's broadcast content. About 170 submissions were received after the draft charter was published for public consultation. More than 70 per cent supported it in general. The charter establishes standards for public broadcasting on television. The charter can be found on the government website, www.executive.govt.nz
Doctors better armed to help fight child abuse
A new booklet giving doctors clear information on how to spot and deal with child abuse was launched this week. The recommended referral process for GPs, entitled Suspected child abuse and neglect, has been developed by Child, Youth and Family and the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, with the support of the Ministry of Health and the endorsement of the New Zealand Medical Association. The recommended referral process is consistent with recommendations in the James Whakaruru report. The nature of doctors' work means they often deal with the reality of abuse at the frontline. In the past, there's been some uncertainty at times about how they should react. This new booklet gives them clear information on how to recognise signs of abuse and how to refer cases on to Child, Youth and Family or the police.
