Media Release from Stop Aerial Spraying

Ombudsman Investigates Ministry of Health’s delay in releasing its aerial spray report

Has Jim Sutton, Minister for Biosecurity, Agriculture and Forestry taken over the Health portfolio?

Jim Sutton stated today (Sunday Star Times 18/4/04) that the report commissioned by the Ministry of Health into the health effects suffered by the community as a result of aerial spraying with Foray 48B, may never be released.

Jane Schaverien from the Stop Aerial Spraying Network asks: “Has the Prime Minister transferred responsibility for the Health portfolio to Mr Sutton? How come the Minister of Health offers no explanation for the delay in publication of a report her ministry commissioned?”

The delay in releasing this report is the subject of a complaint currently being investigated by the Office of the Ombudsman. Mr Mel Smith, Ombudsman, advises that the Director General of Health has been asked to explain to Mr Smith the reasons for the delay and when release of the report may be expected.

ENDS

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