Quote:https://bryanbruce.substack.com/p/uninformed-policy-making
Something I have noticed about government policies over the years is that while they claim to be evidence based, when you actually ask for that evidence you discover it is not there.
The answer I received yesterday by email from Energy Minister Simeon Brown was:
“To date, the Government has not undertaken any analysis on the use of solar panels as a power generation option in the manner you refer to. Therefore, I am refusing your request under section 18(e) of the Act, that the information requested does not exist.”
So, the Coalition’s energy policy is not informed by evidence because they simply have not bothered to collect the data and do the analysis.
Yet Simeon Brown is one of the three Cabinet Ministers who will have the power to do whatever he likes without consultation if the Fast Track Bill becomes law.
Even when the data is available – as in the effect of repealing our world-leading Smoke- Free legislation – this government has chosen politics and donor support over the well-being of people.