Lobbying for bills not on says minister

The Government is to stop taxpayer-funded anti-smoking groups lobbying MPs to ban smoking in clubs and bars.

Associate Health Minister Damien O'Connor said yesterday that the Ministry of Health had been instructed to review all its contracts with such advocacy groups.

The move follows evidence produced by Act MP Rodney Hide that taxpayer money was funding anti-smoking groups to lobby MPs and the media to support a legislative ban on smoking in bars and clubs.

Constitutionally, public servants are expected to remain outside the political process.

Mr O'Connor said it was not appropriate for such groups to be allowed to lobby on specific bills.

Director-General of Health Karen Poutasi said advice from the State Services Commission would be sought in reviewing those contracts.

Dr Poutasi said contracts with non-government organisations (NGOs) advocating non-smoking activities were passed over to the ministry from the former Health Funding Authority (HFA).

It appeared the first of these contracts was signed in 1993, and they were rolled over with various amendments to the present day, she said. However, the wording between contracts differs.

The legislation that will ban smoking in bars and clubs is a member's bill called the Smoke-free Environments Amendment Bill.

National health spokeswoman Lynda Scott said the Government had changed contracts with NGOs so the organisations could support its smoking ban legislation.

" ... the contracts changed significantly in 2000 to go much wider than informing public debate on smokefree issues," she said.



Mr O'Connor also said a clause, which the Opposition referred to as a gagging clause, formed a "standard part of any contract".

"It places an obligation for both parties to speak to one another before they ... criticise one another."

Mr Hide said three groups had received five contracts totalling $2.1 million.

Under the contracts, Apaarangi Tautoko Auahi Kore is to promote anti-smoking legislation, "visit key portfolios MPs and Maori MPs" and "engage and secure support from the public and political networks".

ASH is required to appear in the media at least 50 times a year and liaise with MPs.

The Smokefree Coalition is paid to lobby to "create a climate of support".

- NZPA