Civil Defence has no policy on consultation

National's Civil Defence spokesman John Carter is surprised the Ministry of Civil Defence and Management does not have a policy on consultation.

"Answers to parliamentary written questions show that the ministry has no policy.

"I asked if it had a policy on consulting with education groups or providers and a formal policy on consulting with stakeholders.

"Minister Rick Barker replied: 'I am advised that consultation by the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management with education groups or providers is determined on an issue-by-issue basis…and I am advised that consultation by the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management with stakeholders is determined on an issue-by-issue basis'.

"This is not good enough.

"It is concerning that a government department doesn't have a policy on consultation especially when I hear that they have an obligation to consult in line with Department of Internal Affairs values of transparency and integrity.

"National would do better than that."