1996 Coalition Agreement Between New Zealand First and The National Party of New Zealand

• Policy Area: ACC
• Policy Area: HEALTH
• Policy Area: MAORI
• Policy Area: SENIOR CITIZENS
• Policy Area: SOCIAL WELFARE
• Policy Area: WOMEN’S ISSUES

THIS AGREEMENT made this 11th day of December 1996
BETWEEN NEW ZEALAND FIRST Political Party registered under the Electoral Act 1993 (hereinafter referred to as "New Zealand First")
A N D
The NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL PARTY duly registered under the Electoral Act 1993 hereinafter referred to as "National")

Background

A. In 1993 the people of New Zealand chose mixed member proportional as an electoral system to replace the first past the post electoral process. That was a decision made after lengthy debate and as such represented the will of the majority of New Zealanders who desired a new electoral system thereby permitting greater participation in the electoral process.

B. A feature of MMP is the necessity for parties to consider coalition arrangements to enable the formation of a stable government. The experience of similar democracies to New Zealand with coalition governments is that policy is developed by consensus it being recognised that co-operation is critical to the long term stability of coalition government.

C. Even though parties form coalitions the identity of each coalition partner is recognised as being legitimate. It is accepted that circumstances dictate that political parties going into coalition should focus on their similarities, on what they have in common and how they can bridge the gap between them in the interests of the country as a whole. It is an extension of this process that parties are able to co-operate in policy development and administration to ensure the greater public good.

D. The parties recognise that no party has an absolute mandate to put its own promised policies in place. The advancement of administration and policy positions requires negotiation, understanding and practical resolution of differences to achieve an acceptable position for the enduring of a coalition. Development of policy is achieved through consensus and good sense.

E. The parties have conducted negotiations with respect to the formation of a Coalition Government for the period post-election 1996. The parties have agreed to the formation of a coalition subject to the terms and conditions of this agreement.

F. Notwithstanding the formation of a Coalition Government, each party will preserve a separate identity and operating procedures in every respect, save and except where such procedures are incompatible with this Coalition agreement whereupon the letter and spirit of this coalition agreement shall supercede each individual party’s procedures.

1. Interpretation and Definitions
   
   1.1   Definitions In this agreement, and any schedules to it, the following terms shall, unless the context otherwise admits or requires, have (with or without the definite article) the following meanings:
   "Coalition" means the arrangement agreed upon between New Zealand First and National in terms of the agreement set out herein.
   "Cabinet" means those Ministers inside Cabinet.
   "Commencement Date" means the 10th day of December 1996.
   "Fundamental Dispute" means a dispute as defined in clause 13.
   "Ministers" shall mean such persons appointed as Minister of the Crown by the Governor General.
   "Parties" means New Zealand First and National.
   "Select Committees" shall mean those Committees established under the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives.
   
   1.2    In this agreement reference to the plural includes reference to the singular and vice versa.
   
   1.3   Headings: Headings inserted in this agreement are for convenience of reference only and do not affect the interpretation of this agreement.
   
   
2. The Political Purpose of the Coalition
   
   2.1   The purpose of the Coalition shall be to provide sound and stable Government for New Zealand for a three year term concluding with the 1999 General Election or such later time as the parties may agree.
   
   
3. Political Dimension of the Coalition
   
   3.1   The parties shall at all times act in accordance with this agreement and in the best interests of the New Zealand people on sound economic and social principles endeavour to provide good Government for the people of New Zealand and in particular to govern according to the fundamental principles of the Coalition as set out in paragraph 3.2.
   
   3.2   Fundamental Principles for Coalition: It is hereby agreed that the Coalition accepts that there are some fundamental principles by which the Coalition should govern. To that extent the Coalition has a commitment:
   
   (a)  To act at all times in accordance with the letter and spirit of this agreement and endeavour with co-operation and consensus to fulfil the policies set out, putting aside the personality, party philosophical and day to day differences to give overriding priority to the interests of the Coalition.
   
   (b)  To recognise the crucial role of our cultural heritage, our shared history and that differences and diversity have developed which represent both challenge and opportunity. This heritage has forged a special New Zealand identity, has been the source of our values and determines the direction we should be taking.
   
   (c)  To provide sound, stable government on an agreed basis, implementing orthodox economic policies in line with or better than the best international practice for a forward looking, successful democracy.
   
   (d)  To ensure there is an economic climate that is conducive to sustainable development and growth, to achieve more employment opportunities, high quality education and social services, through a strong commitment to low inflation, prudent and conservative fiscal management and over time, lower taxes and reduced public debt.
   
   (e)  To maintain an open, internationally competitive economy , to support a strong export sector, particularly by managing cost structures downwards and continuing deregulation and policies to stimulate private sector and individual performance.
   
   (f)  To plan for the country’s future not only by ensuring that a strong economy is central to the coalition policies but also by placing emphasis on intergenerational fairness and increasing the national savings rate by the most effective means possible.
   
   (g)  To undertake government in a manner that generates pride in New Zealand values and character, that emphasises the interest of New Zealanders and builds on the benefits of the New Zealand environment and our opportunities to enhance the quality of life for people.
   
   (h)  To adopt sound economic management in order to provide resources to improve our education system, to improve the opportunities of young people to prepare themselves for life and employment and to secure second chances and enhanced opportunities for older people.
   
   (i)  To provide health and social services vital to the well being of a fair and compassionate society and in particular focus on those who through misfortune or bad luck become over-represented in the statistics of dependency, educational failure, ill-health, child mortality and law breaking.
   
   (j)  To encourage the maintenance of values in society that support family units, respect for one another and the fundamental institutions of society.
   
   (k)  To continue to settle as expeditiously as possible, in a spirit of goodwill and integrity, outstanding Maori claims and grievances, having regard to the nature of Treaty settlements already made and to respect the spirit and letter of the Treaty of Waitangi as a founding document in New Zealand.
   
   (l)  To provide adequate security within the country and abroad to ensure people feel safe in their homes and communities and that New Zealand contributes responsibly to international defence and peace-keeping.
   
   
4. Parties Obligations
   
   4.1   Each party shall:
   
   (a)  Diligently attend to and devote as much time and attention as required as shall be necessary for the efficient carrying on of a Coalition Government and will co-operate in all reasonable ways to ensure sound, stable and effective government is maintained in the best interests of the people of New Zealand.
   
   (b) Disclose to each other any associations with interest groups, lobbyists or any other entity or body likely to influence one or other party in the formulation of policy for or administration by the Coalition.
   
   4.2   Prohibitions: Neither party shall:
   
   (a)  Neither party to the Coalition shall in any way support any policy advanced by any other non-Coalition party or private member and, if a bill is introduced to the House, shall not vote in favour of such bill or abstain upon the vote unless and until the consent in writing has been obtained by both parties to the Coalition.
   
   (b)  Do anything which directly or indirectly competes with the Coalition whereby the interests of the Coalition contemplated by this agreement may be prejudiced.
   
   
5. Policy
   
   5.1   It is agreed that as a starting point the policies and processes in place on the 12th of October 1996 shall be supported unless amended by the policy agreements set out in Schedule A or subsequently amended in accordance with the terms of this agreement.
   
   5.2   The parties adopt the broad principles, policies and priorities as set out in Schedule A.
   
   5.3   It is acknowledged that the Coalition requires a process for reconciliation and promotion of policy during the term of any Coalition Government. Such process will include: . the requiring of the policy for consideration to be submitted to the other party for their deliberation immediately such policy is formulated with any definitive detail. In circumstances where the party receiving the policy seeks clarification and/or amendment to the policy then in such case they shall be given reasonable opportunity to debate such objection or amendment with that party promoting the policy. . neither party to the Coalition shall in any way support any policy advanced by any other non-Coalition party or private member and, if a bill is introduced to the House, shall not vote in favour of such bill or abstain upon the vote unless and until the consent in writing has been obtained by both parties to the Coalition.
   
   
6. Budgetary Programme
   It is acknowledged that certain policies agreed by the parties will require additional spending not anticipated in the 1996 budget. To that extent the parties are agreed that a budgetary programme prioritising expenditure will be prepared with the consent of both parties, such programme being within the fiscal parameters as set out in Schedule B.
   
   
7. Structure of Administration
   
   7.1   It is accepted that the constitutional requirements of the Constitution Act 1986 and Standing Orders will require the retention of existing Executive structures subject to amendment as set out in this agreement.
   
   7.2   In particular, the parties agree that: . that Executive is to be comprised of those inside Cabinet and those outside Cabinet in numbers to be agreed by the Coalition parties. . Ministers shall be supported by Cabinet Committees to consider Cabinet papers.
   
   7.3   Membership of the Executive
   
   (a)  It is acknowledged and agreed that the Executive shall be filled by twenty Ministers inside Cabinet and six Ministers outside Cabinet.
   
   (b)  Upon commencement of the Coalition, National shall have fifteen inside Cabinet and two outside Cabinet, with New Zealand First having five inside Cabinet and four outside Cabinet. By 1st of October 1998 the composition of Cabinet shall be changed to the extent that National shall have twelve inside Cabinet and three outside and New Zealand First shall have eight inside Cabinet and three outside.
   
   (c)  The New Zealand First Leader as at commencement shall hold the position as Treasurer, a newly created position which will be the senior position of the finance portfolio. He shall also be the Deputy Prime Minister.
   
   (d)  All members appointed to the Executive shall be parliamentarians and comply with the requirements of the Cabinet Office Manual (August 1996) and associated Cabinet Office circulars and will accept the conventions of Cabinet responsibility and Cabinet confidentiality, save and except as otherwise provided for in this agreement, it being acknowledged that general procedures to be retained are:
   
      (i)  Cabinet to meet at fixed times agreed.
   
      (ii)  Cabinet meetings to be chaired by the Prime Minister, or in the Prime Minister’s absence the DPM, or in the DPM’s absence the most senior Minister.
   
      (iii)  all Ministers are required to attend Cabinet unless prior leave is given by the Prime Minister in consultation with the other Coalition Party Leader.
   
      (iv)  agendas are to be drawn up by the Cabinet Office, submitted for approval to the Prime Minister for approval in consultation with the other Coalition party Leader in advance of Cabinet meetings.
   
      (v)  as a general rule Cabinet papers are to be considered by Cabinet Committees before reference to Cabinet (and the Leaders of both parties).
   
      (vi)  as a general rule Cabinet papers are required to have been through formal consultation procedures among the Coalition partners before being placed on the agenda.
   
      (vii)  papers for the Cabinet agenda must be submitted to the Cabinet Office no later than two days prior to the Cabinet meeting.
   
      (viii)  Cabinet papers are to be distributed to all Ministers of Cabinet.
   
      (ix)  attendance at Cabinet meetings limited to Ministers, the Secretary of Cabinet and any assistant as necessary.
   
      (x)  quorum of Cabinet to be at least one half of each Coalition partners appointees to inside Cabinet Ministerial positions.
   
   7.4   Cabinet Committees: As it is acknowledged that Cabinet Committees should consider issues in advance of Cabinet, protocols are required as to the composition and consultative role of those Committees. To that extent it is agreed:
   
      (i)  The parties will agree to establish an appropriate number of Committees and sub-Committees that reflect the core functions of the Cabinet.
   
      (ii)  Cabinet Committees will comprise at least two members, one from each par ty, with additional members as agreed by the Coalition partners from time to time.
   
      (iii)  Officials as necessary shall attend Cabinet Committee meetings.
   
   7.5   Voting in Cabinet or Cabinet Committees: It is agreed that every endeavour shall be made for decision making in Cabinet to be on a consensus basis. In respect of Cabinet Committees it is acknowledged that competing points of view, if any, will be submitted to Cabinet unless same is agreed unanimously by the Cabinet Committee.
   
   7.6   Collective Responsibilities: The established conventions of collective responsibility and confidentiality are accepted.
   
   
8. Major Policy Issues
   
   8.l   The Prime Minister shall speak for the Government on major policy issues agreed by the Coalition parties.
   
   8.2   Cabinet Ministers: For the term of the Coalition portfolio responsibilities will be agreed between the party Leaders as per the proportions set out in paragraph 7.3. The party Leaders shall also agree on the rankings inside and outside Cabinet to be allocated to each party and party Leaders shall then rank his or her nominee to these rankings. A party Leader may dismiss a Cabinet Minister from their party and replace with another:
   
   8.3   Leader of the House: The Leader of the House shall be chosen by agreement between the Coalition party Leaders.
   
   8.4   Appointment of The Speaker: The nominee for Speaker of the House will be agreed by the party Leaders.
   
   8.5   Whips: Each Coalition partner shall appoint one Whip for the orderly administration of the Coalition Government in the House.
   
   8.6   Political Appointments: Political appointments whether by way of review or new appointments shall be made with the joint consent of the Coalition parties or party Leaders pending the establishment of an independent body.
   
   
9. Management of Coalition
   
   9.1   The parties shall each appoint three persons to represent each party on a joint committee, such committee to have the role of managing the Coalition to reflect the intent that the committee shall ensure the effective administration of the Coalition on a party to party basis and to that extent the committee members shall: . meet with sufficient regularity to ensure the proper and efficient administration of the Coalition: identify any points of contention likely to arise between the Coalition partners and develop a mechanism for resolution of such points in dispute:. generally assist the flow of information and resources to each party to ensure the stability of the Coalition Government: . act as the communication centre for the development of new policy:
   
   
10. Publicity
    All public statements regarding the Coalition, as distinct from the administration of Government, shall be authorised jointly by the Leaders of the Coalition partners.
    
    
11. Term of Coalition
    
    11.1 This agreement shall have effect from the Commencement Date and shall remain in effect until the earlier of:
    
    (a)  a general election.
    
    (b)  the expiry of the written notice given with respect to the inability to resolve a fundamental dispute.
    
    (c)  an agreement to terminate signed in writing by every party to the Coalition.
    
    11.2   In the event of the Coalition terminating, formal notice to that effect shall be given by the Prime Minister within forty-eight hours to the House or, if the House is not sitting, to the Speaker.
    
    
12. Confidentiality
    
    12.1   Confidential Information: All records, reports and other documents relating to the Coalition are confidential whether oral, written or embodied in any other physical form except if:
    (a)  the information was known to the receiving party on the date of its receipt; or
    (b)  the information was in the public domain on the date of its receipt; or
    (c)  the information had entered the public domain after the date of its receipt other than by unauthorised disclosure by a party or any other person.
    
    12.2   Neither party shall disclose in whole or in part any confidential information received except as approved in writing by the other party, or where necessary to carry out the terms of this agreement.
    
    12.3   Before any confidential information is disclosed to a third party the party about to so disclose shall inform the other party of its intention to disclose, and shall inform such third person of the confidentiality obligations under this agreement, and require such third person to be bound by the same confidentiality obligations.
    
    
13. Disputes
    
    13.1   Fundamental Dispute Defined: The words "Fundamental Dispute" for the purposes of this clause include any dispute involving matters which could lead to substantial injury to the Coalition and which appear on reason able grounds to be incapable of satisfactory long term resolution by negotiation.
    
    13.2   It shall be the responsibility of the party Leaders to endeavour to resolve any dispute that may arise relating to the interpretation of this agreement or the obligations under it, or any other matter which may prejudice the Coalition.
    
    13.3   Dispute Resolution: If a Fundamental Dispute arises in the opinion of one party the dispute shall be referred to a Coalition Dispute Committee comprising the Leaders, Deputy Leaders, and Presidents of every party to the Coalition. The Coalition Dispute Committee will negotiate in good faith to resolve the dispute.
    
    13.4   Where resolution of a Fundamental Dispute cannot be resolved by the Coalition Dispute Committee, any party to the Coalition may give to every other party to the Coalition written notice that unless the matter is resolved within a period of seven days the Coalition will be terminated.
    
    
14. Exclusion of Courts
    The parties agree that this agreement shall not be justiciable in the Courts of New Zealand.
    
    
15. Additional Signatories
    The parties may agree, after due consultation with their respective Caucus and party organisation, to invite another political party represented in Parliament to become a member of the Coalition. Any such party shall first sign this agreement and be bound by its terms as modified by agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF these presents have been executed the day and year first hereinbefore mentioned. SIGNED
for and on behalf of
NEW ZEALAND FIRST
by WINSTON R. PETERS
in the presence of:

SIGNED for and on behalf of
the NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL PARTY
by JAMES BRENDON BOLGER
in the presence of:

 

 

SCHEDULE ’A’

POLICY AREA: ACC

6 December 1996

Statement of General Direction:
Rebuild public confidence in ACC by restoring it to a world-leading, 24 hour, comprehensive but affordable accident cover.

Key Initiatives of Policy:
The provision of publicly owned comprehensive ACC services by the ARCIC. Controlling the cost of ACC on workers and employers with the intention of retaining levies at current levels. Any future increases arising from full risk ratings must not exceed 25%. Replacing the harsh and unfair aspects of existing legislation and regulations allowing for further amendments should greater flexibility be required. Providing greater flexibility to meet individual circumstances and expedite effective social and vocational rehabilitation. Modernising the administration and management of ACC. Consider the implementation of an Employer’s Code of Practice to enable the achievement of observable safety standards upon which to base risk/experience ratings. Commitment to periodically reviewing the level of compensation and independence allowances. Work-ready clients should be available for part-time community work or training. Reducing cost growth by a fair but responsible approach to returning work-ready clients to the work force. Completing a major review of the up to 4 week entitlements, with a view to moving resources to helping those with serious injuries.

Fiscal Implications of this Policy Agreement:
Nil (All funding proposals subject to being considered within the agreed spending policy parameters). Legislative Implications of this Policy Agreement: Legislation required for the Code of Practice.

POLICY AREA: HEALTH

Monday, 9 December 1996, 4.30pm

General Policy Direction:
(a)  Government is committed to providing a flexible, modern, properly funded, accessible health service that meets changing public needs and expectations. The Coalition Government’s health policy has the overriding goal of ensuring principles of public service replace commercial profit objectives for all publicly provided health and disability services.

(b)  The Coalition Partners are committed to publicly funded health care that encourages cooperation and collaboration rather than competition between health and disability services.

(c)  By July 1998 there will be one funding body separate from the Ministry of Health which will carry out functions determined after consultation with the health sector and a review of the current system.

(d)  Public health providers (CHE Services) will be required to function in a businesslike manner. The new focus will be on achieving health outcomes and improving the health status of the populations they serve. Private sector involvement in services usually provided by the public sector will be subject to criteria set by Government.

(e)  Every effort will be made to minimise disruption to the health sector by progressively introducing any changes to health service referred to in this document. In most circumstances current arrangements will continue until 1 July 1998 when new policies and legislation will be in place.

Key Policy Initiatives:

1. General
   
   (a)  The Minister of Health will be responsible for the whole publicly funded health sector and the publicly owned health providers.
   
   (b)  Vote Health funding will be increased. Extra funding will be available to reduce waiting times for hospital treatment. Guaranteed maximum waiting times for various procedures will be introduced.
   
   (c)  Health and disability services for children will be boosted to ensure children receive the care and protection they need for the best possible start in life.
   
   (d)  Equity of access to health and disability services across generations will be assured by removing income and asset testing for older people needing long stay geriatric public hospital care services and asset testing for long stay geriatric private hospital care.
   
   (e)  By 1999/2000 introduce an exemption of $100,000 on the family home on the income and asset test on rest home care for single people and for married couples where both are in care.
   
   (f)  Increased resources will be made available to address major issues in delivery of mental health services.
   
   (g)  In recognition of Government’s commitment to improving the status of Maori health, increased resources will be made available to provide Maori leadership within the health sector, and to enable the continuing growth and development of Maori health service provision by Maori.
   
   
2. Changes to CHE Health and Disability (Regional Hospital and Community) Service Provider
   
   (a)  Replacing Crown Health Enterprises with Regional Hospital and Community Services which will deliver those services currently provided by CHEs. They will report directly to the Minister of Health through the Ministry of Health.
   
   (b)  Removing the competitive profit focus for Regional Hospital and Community Services, replacing it with a requirement to carry out its activity in a businesslike fashion. The principal goal will be achieving improved health outcomes to contribute to the health status of the populations they serve. Legislative and administrative arrangements that will achieve these goals will be completed during 1997.
   
   (c)  A commitment will be demonstrated to publicly provided health and disability services, with long term contractual agreements with Regional Hospital and Community Services for a range of services with the intention of providing the maximum amount of health care to patients for the taxpayers’ funds available. Services will cover the following range:
   
      community and rural health
      mental health
      Maori health
      dental health
      public health (including health protection and promotion)
      intellectual, age related, physical/sensory disability support services
      maternity (including pregnancy and childbirth services)
      wellchild services
      A&E; secondary/tertiary medical and surgical services
      diagnostic services.
   
   (d)
      (i)  Publicly provided health and disability services are complemented by a wide range of non-government health service providers. Regional Hospital and Community Services may form joint ventures with these non-government providers or other Crown providers, working collaboratively with them, when this is consistent with health gain priorities and with the criteria in d) ii).
   
     (ii)  Current contractual arrangements involving the private sector in CHE based services will continue. However, any new joint venture, subcontracting or private work undertaken, or involvement by private companies in CHE based services will be limited. Private sector involvement must result in improvements as defined in health outcomes, pose no increase in financial risk to the Crown assessed over the next ten year period, and must be approved by the Minister of Health after consultation with Coalition Partners.
   
   (e)  Regional Hospital and Community Services will be required to develop initiatives in partnership with Maori, which lead to demonstrable improvements in Maori health status.
   
   (f)  The Coalition partners have agreed to make minor amendments to the Commerce Act as it relates to some parts of the Health sector.
   
   (g)  Ensure accountability and performance of Regional Hospital and Community Services receive high priority in their funding agreements.
   
   (h)  Review after consultation the number of Regional Hospital and Community Services adjusting service boundaries to the optimum configuration to achieve health outcome goals.
   
   (i)  Elected community representation will be considered by a joint working party of Coalition MPs as to the most appropriate place for public representation in the health sector.
   
   (j)  The health sector will be consulted on changes to current arrangements in administration and legislation, governance and reporting.
   
   (k)  In the case of general practice any GP budget holding beyond GMS, primary laboratory and pharmaceutical budgets must result in improvements in defined health outcomes, pose no increase in fiscal risk to the Crown assessed over a ten year period, and must be approved by the Minister of Health after consultation with the Coalition Partners.
   
   (l)  Reconsider the decision to unbundling ACC funding from CHEs for acute and some elective surgery.
   
   
3. Funding Arrangements
   
   (a)  By July 1998 there will be one funding body separate from the Ministry of Health which will carry out functions determined after consultation with the health sector and a review of the current system.
   
   (b)  Public health services will no longer be competitively purchased by RHAs. Providers of public health services will be required to comply with stringent contractual funding agreements with clear health outcome goals.
   
   (c)  A review of the most appropriate structure to carry out these changes in policy will be conducted and concluded by May 1997. The Coalition will consider all significant developments and agree on all aspects of implementation arising from the review.
   
   (d)  Implementation of the changes necessary to meet the policy objectives will be completed by March 1998 in order to minimise the disruption to health services delivery to New Zealanders and to manage a smooth transition to the new arrangements.
   
   The six principles below are agreed as non-negotiable.
   
      (i)  Retaining the separation between the structure that replaces RHAs as funder and all health service providers including CHEs/Regional Hospital and Community Services, IPAs, GPs, Disability Services, rest homes etc.;
   
      (ii)  Limiting bureaucracy where possible;
   
      (iii)  Removing the `for profit focus` from the CHEs but require them to work in a businesslike fashion.nbsp;  (iv)  Giving greater emphasis to health gain.
   
      (v)  RHA purchasing from providers on a competitive price volume basis will be replaced with contractual finding agreements between the structure replacing RHAs and all providers based on historic finding information and levels, benchmarking information, changes in technology and comparative data to provide a cost effective health system that delivers the maximum amount of health care to patients for the taxpayer funds available.
   
      (vi)  The structure replacing RHAs will undertake monitoring, auditing and reporting functions to enhance health gain and financial accountability.
   
   
4. Increase health sector resources and remove financial barriers to people needing to access health and disability services including:
   
   (a)  Increase baseline finding to Vote: Health after full consideration is given to the sustainable finding work being undertaken.
   
   (b)  Increase the waiting time find by $50M in 1997/8.
   
   (c)  Establish guaranteed maximum waiting times for surgical and specialist treatment.
   
   (d)  Remove hospital user part-charges.
   
   (e)  Providing free doctors visits and prescription medicines for children 5 years and under.
   
   (f)  Remove income and asset testing for long stay geriatric public hospital care services and asset testing for long stay geriatric private hospital care
   
   (g)  By 1999/2000 introduce an exemption of $100,000 on the family home on the income and asset test on rest home care for single people and for married couples where both are in care.
   
   
5. Pilot a community based family health team approach for the delivery of some primary healthcare services by Regional Hospital and Community Services:
   
   (a)  Regional Hospital and Community Services family health teams coordinate and in some instances integrate primary healthcare with the delivery of the following services: community health mental health Maori health dental health (including school dental services) public health (including health protection and promotion) intellectual, age related, physical/sensory disability support services maternity (including pregnancy and childbirth services) wellchild services hospital secondary and tertiary services
   
   (b)  Family health teams will facilitate access for people needing hospital care taking responsibility for their transition through health and disability services. Family health teams will be involved in providing some child health and disability services. They will act as a referral agency for other child health service providers monitoring service delivery for at risk children.
   
   
6. Maori Health
   
   (a)  Development of competent Maori Health providers is a critical requirement to support improvements in Maori health status. The following initiatives will be undertaken: I. accelerated development of the professional Maori workforce II. development of administrative and organisational expertise III. Maori leadership within the Ministry of Health with dedicated provider approval, monitoring and evaluation functions IV. increased public health resources for Maori provider development both directly to Maori providers and as a service obligation of Regional Hospital and Community Services
   
   (b)  referred Maori service providers who meet minimum standards as set by the Ministry will be funded to provide a comprehensive range of primary healthcare, community based health and disability services and identified secondary health and disability services.
   
   
7. Child Health
   
   (a)  In order to ensure a greatly enhanced focus on the health and protection of children the Ministry of Health will be required to appoint a senior person whose responsibility it will be to oversee, coordinate, motivate and lead in the area of health gain priority areas, i.e.: child health Maori health mental health (Commissioner and Director of Mental Health already in place) waiting list/waiting times These people will report to the Director-General and Minister on progress or the lack of it in these areas.
   
   (b)  During 1997 all child health programmes currently in operation will be reviewed with a view to building on those that deliver the best health gain and improved family function thus reducing risk to children.
   
   
8. Mental Health
   
   (a) The recommendations of the Mason Report are to be fully funded and implemented.

Legislative Implications of this Policy Agreement

(a) Significant amendments to Health and Disability Act.

(b) Minor amendments to the Commerce Act as it relates to the health sector.

Fiscal Implications Over and above current baselines

POLICY AREA: MAORI

6 December 1996

Statement of General Direction:
The Treaty of Waitangi is fundamental to the relationship between Crown and Maori. Within that broad framework, government is committed to working with Maori to achieve full and active participation in NZ society. Maori have dynamism and vitality to determine own social and economic development. Justice and equity are over-riding principles in improving education, health, housing and economic outcomes, and in settling Treaty claims.

Key Initiatives of Policy:
Establish a Maori Education Commission, a Maori Health Promotion Unit, a Maori Economic Development Unit and a Maori Employment and Training Unit, each a ’think tank’ to monitor progress, design initiatives to graft onto mainstream Departments. Structures and location of units to be developed.

• Implement Ka Awatea as amended.
• Establish multiple ownership review committee.
• Retain TPK.
• Support marae development programmes funded through Lotteries.
• Review the regional Maori Business Development Boards and Poutama Trust re delivery to Maori.
• Support and adequately resource Te Kohanga Reo, Kura Kaupapa etc.
• Introduce effective and focused Trade Training Schemes following discussion with the training sector and Maori.
• Review representation on various government bodies.
• Treaty Settlements Adequately resource Waitangi Tribunal.
• Ensure proper trusteeship obligations (with full accountability to and voting rights for beneficiaries) to Treaty settlement assets.
• Discontinue the fiscal envelope on the basis that:
  
  • there is respect for the settlements already effected, which would not be reopened
  • the Parties confirm that the Crown will endeavour to settle claims on their merits using the settlements already effected as benchmarks
  • be fiscally responsible.
  
  
• Review of Government policy on natural resources and funding of research and negotiating costs.
• Institute a review of the performance of the Crown Forestry Rental Trust to ensure accountability, and representation frameworks are implemented and effectively utilised.
• Consult fully on Maori Reserved Lands, leases and rental policy

Fiscal Implications of this Policy Agreement:
(All funding proposals subject to being considered within the agreed spending policy parameters.) Legislative Implications of this Policy Agreement: Depends on outcomes of reviews.

POLICY AREA: SENIOR CITIZENS

6 December 1996

Statement of General Direction:
To ensure that retired persons live in the relative comfort and dignity that their age, experience and previous labour clearly justifies and that they are not discriminated against but encouraged to contribute their knowledge and endeavours to the general community.

Key Initiatives of Policy:

• Abolition of superannuation surcharge in first Budget of Coalition Government, to come into effect on 1 April 1998.
• Work with the private finance sector to develop a "Home Equity Scheme" for persons solely reliant on New Zealand super. The objective is to allow these people to borrow up to 20% of value, repaid when home is sold with interest.
• Remove income and asset testing for long stay geriatric public hospital care services and asset testing for long stay geriatric private hospital care.
• By 1999/2000 introduce an exemption of $100,000 on the family home on the income and asset test on rest home care for single people and for married couples where both are in care.

Fiscal Implications of this Policy Agreement:
Surcharge abolition. (All funding proposals subject to being considered within the agreed spending policy parameters.)

Legislative Implications of this Policy Agreement:
Changes to the superannuation surcharge will require an amendment to the Income Tax Act while any variation to the method of indexation of superannuation will require amendment to the Transitional Retirement Provisions Act. Indexation of benefits is not subject to legislation and the proposed Home Equity Scheme would probably require a new Act.

POLICY AREA: SOCIAL WELFARE

5 December 1996

Statement of General Direction:
Based on principles of compassion and responsibility to restore integrity to the Welfare system by responsible spending. A close focus to be given to targeting resources towards families facing difficulties.

Key Initiatives of Policy:

• To institute a family service in the Department of Social Welfare with the intention of focusing on children 0 to 8 years and coordinate health, education, welfare, police, justice etc under this heading. Flagged to spend $70M in first year
• Make changes to Special Benefit to
  
  (a)  remove $10 per week shortfall and
  (b)  review formula for living costs
  
• Raise Accommodation Supplement by 10% to meet 75% housing costs above 25% of income.

Fiscal Implications of this Policy Agreement:

Legislative Implications of this Policy Agreement:
In terms of the policies being considered under Social Welfare, the proposed changes to Accommodation Supplement would require amendments to the Social Security Act 1964. The other proposals under this heading, including instituting a family service within the Department of Social Welfare, could be implemented without legislative change. However, specific proposals involving the additional expenditure of $70M in the first year on family related initiatives, could require a legislative amendment.

POLICY AREA: WOMEN’S ISSUES

9 December 1996

Statement of General Direction:
Parties affirm their commitment to the MWA. That greater participation of NGOs in women’s policy development be supported and encouraged. Parties are committed to the National Cervical Screening Programme. Parties are committed to the introduction of the National Breast Screening Programme over the next three years to cover all women from 50 to 65.

Key Initiatives of Policy:

• Agree in principle to establishing a Parliamentary Officer to be known as the Women’s Commissioner, whose role would be one of advocacy in co-operation with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Equal Employment Opportunity Trust in terms of progress being made in advancing pay equity and consider whether any further non-legislative initiatives are required to progress the closing of the pay gap.
• Review current child care policies to better integrate existing services and reduce barriers to women seeking financial independence.
• Resource violence prevention and education programmes within schools and the community.
• Funding increase to EEO Trust, on basis of a $2:$1 Government/Private Sector subsidy.
• Funding of Maori Women’s Development Fund is assured for continuation.
• That a business plan for a time use survey is almost completed. Whether there is a funding shortfall is not yet clear. Both parties agreed this was a high priority.

Fiscal Implications of this Policy Agreement:

• Increase in funding required not yet quantified:
  • (a) Women’s Commissioner - $1M pa
  • (b) Possible increase for Women’s Ministry
  • (c) Survey of unpaid work/time use - up to $2M
• Could range from $0s to $4M over 3 years depending on decisions taken in future budget discussions.
• (All funding proposals subject to being considered within the agreed spending policy parameters.)

Legislative Implications of this Policy Agreement:
If a Women’s Commissioner is established, legislation would be required.