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My offices have been flooded with mass-produced cards regarding the proposed Therapeutic Goods Administration and I am concerned that many people are being unduly alarmed.
On 10 December 2003 the Australian and NZ Governments signed an agreement (treaty) to establish a joint scheme for the regulation of therapeutic products in the two countries in order to manage the risks to public health and safety from avoidable harm.
It is envisaged that the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia and Medsafe in NZ will be replaced by a single, bi-national agency, which will administer the joint regulatory scheme.
The agency will be accountable to both the Australian and NZ Governments, and will safeguard public health and safety in both countries. It is expected to commence operation in mid 2005.
Legislation to implement the joint regulatory scheme is currently being developed and will go through the normal parliamentary processes, including consideration by the Health Select Committee, which will provide an opportunity for the public to make submissions.
Consistent with the normal procedure for international treaties, the treaty will not be ratified until the implementing legislation is passed in both countries.
This government supports the right of all consumers to choose to use complementary healthcare products and is committed to ensuring that the proposed joint regulatory scheme with Australia delivers the widest possible choice of products that are safe, effective and of good quality for the NZ public.
Building Issues Minister Margaret Wilson has announced the first review of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 and this should be of interest to many Wairarapa people.
The residential tenancy market has changed significantly in the last 18 years. A greater proportion of New Zealanders are renting their homes than ever before and more people opt to stay in rental housing long-term.
For example, more older people and families with children now live in rented homes.
The flipside of the equation is that more people are investing in residential rental housing, with an increase in first-time landlords and independent property managers.
Given the changing dynamics of the rental market, a review of this legislation is well and truly due. The Government wants to make sure the Residential Tenancies Act strikes the right balance between the tenants' need for affordable and stable rental housing, and the commercial needs of landlords to manage their properties efficiently.
The newly-formed Department of Building and Housing has issued a discussion document, Getting the Balance Right, and invites all those with an interest in the residential housing market to offer suggestions on how the act might be improved.
The discussion document includes a submission form and is available from the Department of Building and Housing's website www.dbh.govt.nz and Tenancy Services offices. Or people can ring the department on 0800 83 62 62 and ask for a copy.
The department will gather people's views through written submissions, public meetings and focus groups. Submissions close on 18 February 2005 and public meetings will be held in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. These will be publicised on the department's website.
I encourage landlords, tenants, property managers and property investors to take the opportunity to submit their views on this legislation, so that we can make sure it works well for all New Zealanders.
My sincere congratulations to Woodville farmer Kim Bailey on the success of her children's book Cow Power.
The book is about dairy cow No 569 that saved her from drowning in the Manawatu River in February's floods. It is an amazing story and deserves all the success it has achieved.
Cow 569's calf Tuggy Buoy was to have been auctioned at the Manawatu A & P Show last weekend and I hope a good price was paid for the offspring of such a famous, especially as the proceeds went to Plunket.
I hear Ruahine School's hall was decorated in cow-themed art and craft as part of their annual pet day. I wish I had been able to see it.
I was especially pleased to be able to make it back to Wairarapa for the "sod turning" ceremony for Masterton's new hospital last week and my thanks to all attended.
Health Minister Annette King did a marvellous job, as did all who took part. It was a day to remember.
As you may recall I stated that I would resign if we didn't get secure health services for the southern part of the electorate and I meant it.
I am really happy that the importance of our hospital to this community has been recognised by this Government. We have indeed come a long way from having to put our hands around our hospital.
While on the subject of health, congratulations to all who have been elected to our two district health boards. It so important for our community to have a say on where our health dollars should be spent and I am grateful so many put their names forward.
Finally congratulations to Annette Cameron on her 2004 Multi Serve Education award. Mrs Cameron spent 12 years voluntarily running the Weber School library and she has my heartfelt thanks for her dedication to enriching the lives of our future generations.
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