Costello made several questionable claims, particularly regarding retailers and illicit trade. Denicotinisation would have meant rapid reductions in prevalence, thus greatly reducing sales and stock, and retailers already manage age verification. Only winners? Tobacco companies.
I would happily pay MORE tax (and forgo ALL tax cuts) so ALL people managing this never-gives-you-a-break disease could access the best technologies.
Yes, probably overly cautious on my part.
That's a great question but I think our ACC law might prevent similar action here. I have wondered whether the Fair Trading Act could be used (on the grounds product marketing has misled and deceived), but I don't have a legal background (so could be quite wrong!).
Thank you - these suggestions are very helpful.
I'm not sure. We've only used the process a couple of times and found it very slow. Need someone who knows more about it than me to advise.
Yes, though complaints via the Ombudsman are very slow (in my experience). The OIA process seems easy for politicians to circumvent.
We've tried arguing that (and have followed up via the Ombudsman, though that is very slow - six months after MOH refused to release vaping returns data, we are still waiting for these). System needs a review as definitely not working in the public interest!
Good luck with an OIA - we get flicked off with the response that policy under "active consideration" is privileged and doesn't have to be released. Never a reason for not trying though, and good luck!
Costello seems to have problems remembering sources of advice that will benefit tobacco companies. Couldn't remember who gave advice on pausing tobacco excise tax increases either. www.newshub.co.nz/home/politic... Is she fit for office?
Despite the notes coming from Costello's office, she says she doesn’t know who wrote them.