Media release from Labour Health Spokesperson Ruth Dyson

The National Government has withheld a secret health report that suggests wage freezes, treating more foreign patients in the public health system and changing superannuation to encourage people to work longer, Labour Health Spokesperson Ruth Dyson says.

"The secret report suggests to the Government that treating older New Zealanders would only be an investment if they worked longer.

"The report goes on to say 'if we simply spend more of that additional life drawing taxpayer funded super, so adding to the tax burden on a relatively smaller workforce as the population ages, then it is more likely to actually undermine income growth'.

"Simply because the Government has edited these comments out of the final version of a health report does not mean that aren't being discussed behind closed doors.

"The Minister of Health, Tony Ryall, is running a closed shop on submissions so the New Zealand public has no ability to judge what information the Government is considering. All New Zealanders should be able to have a say on health services. Unfortunately the 'submission' process set up by the National Government is ridiculous.

"The secret document also states the Government 'might usefully start increasing the scope of earnings from offshore health services (eg education, training, consulting) as well has from providing health service to foreigners'.

"It is unbelievable that at a time when the National Government is cutting frontline health services around the country that anyone should be so out of touch as to recommend they investigate bringing foreign patients to New Zealand for treatment in public hospitals.

"The report also discusses the need for wage restraint in the health sector and that 'we will need to ensure that industrial relations are consistent with the broader goal'.

"I am appalled that the Government has deliberately withheld these comments from the New Zealand public and is refusing to hold a transparent submission process," Ruth Dyson said.