O’Sullivan on HB DHB Inquiry

Fran O’Sullivan says in the HOS:

Annette King, one of the most experienced Cabinet ministers in the Government, is a shrewd operator.

Her affability masks an ability to get a tough job done without causing too many public ruffles.

But King’s political reputation is now threatened by the way her successor as Health Minister is handling a “conflicts of interest” row at Hawkes Bay District Health Board involving the minister’s husband, which appears to have resulted in the skids being put under the job of whistleblower, named as Deborah Houston in Hawkes Bay Today.

This is very true.  As often is the case, what originally happened isn’t what annoys the public.  It is the coverup.

Do I think Annette King had improper motives when she appointed Peter Hausmann to the DHB?  No – even though it is clear she did not followed the established best practice.

Do I think her husband Ray Lind has acted out of self interest?  No.  I don’t know Mr Lind  but I do know he is generally well regarded and highly thought of.

So no there is no super conspiracy where King appoints Hausmann to help him get the contract, and Lind helps cover up Hausmann’s involvement, and ends up being given a job by Hausmann as a reward.  I have absolutely no doubt that King and Lind have acted with good motives.  What is unclear is whether their actions have at all times been appropriate.

The problem is Hodgson is refusing to have a proper inquiry. The terms of reference are far too narrow.  And because Hodgson is handling the issue in such a defensive manner, it actually increases the suspicion people have that there is something to hide.

I hope this is a lesson National will recall when they are next in Government.  Don’t be cute and set up inquiries which are so restricted that they are designed to find nothing wrong. The media and public just get pissed off.  You get more credit for dealing with the dirty laundry than you do for trying to hide it under the bed.