Associate Health Minister Casey Costello has faced criticism for heavily redacting Official Information Act (OIA) requests related to the repeal amendments of the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act. This lack of transparency has sparked backlash from public health experts and transparency advocates, who argue that it undermines public trust and accountability.
The Southern Cross’s repeated Official Information Act (OIA) requests to Minister Costello, met with silence, highlight a worrying trend of increasing unaccountability in public health. This disregard for transparency raises serious concerns about the Minister’s commitment to open and accountable governance, particularly in a sector directly impacting public well-being.
The OIA requests, seeking information on the government’s plans to repeal the amendments, were met with extensive redactions, leaving many questions unanswered. Critics have accused Costello of attempting to obscure the decision-making process and the rationale behind the proposed legislative changes.
The Chief Ombudsman, Judge Peter Boshier, has reprimanded Costello for her handling of the OIA requests, deeming her actions “unreasonable and contrary to law.” He has also referred record-keeping issues identified during the investigation to the Chief Archivist.
Public health experts, including Otago University Professor Janet Hoek, have expressed their frustration with the lack of transparency. Professor Hoek stressed the importance of open and transparent communication, particularly when it comes to public health policies with far-reaching implications.
While the Ministry of Health has released some documents related to the repeal amendments, significant portions remain redacted. The controversy has ignited a broader conversation about the need for greater transparency and accountability in government decision-making processes.
As the debate continues, many are calling for a more open and transparent approach to handling OIA requests, ensuring that the public has access to the information necessary to hold their government accountable.