22 July 2020
Mx Watson
By email:
[FYI request #13183 email]
Reference: OIA-2019/20-0614
Dear Mx Watson
Official Information Act request relating to a COVID-19 trans-Tasman bubble
Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) request received on 29 June 2020.
You requested:
“Our government describes itself as open and transparent, in that vein, I am requesting
more transparency with regards to what requirements we are looking for in Australian
COVID case numbers and the characteristics of those cases.
More specifically, I am asking for clarification on the guidelines given to Australia which
Jacinda Ardern referenced in the 29/06/2020 post-cabinet press conference. The Prime
Minister mentioned that there were two proposals, one state-specific, and one
Australian wide. New Zealanders who have split families, separated loved ones, or
even those with business which spans the Tasman are all interested in the movement
towards feasible open borders, and any timeframe this may occur within. Being able to
openly discuss both the merits of New Zealand's requirements and Australia's progress
towards them wil provide more certainty and reassurance to distressed family
members and the New Zealand public.
I have also sent this OIA to the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern so there is no need to
extend the timeline should one office be more suited to respond.”
After reviewing the material requested, we have determined that the information you have
requested is more closely connected to the functions of the Prime Minister. Normally, I would
transfer your request, however, I note you have made your request to both the
Prime Minister’s Of ice, and to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. I trust the
Prime Minister’s Office wil respond within due course.
You have the right to ask the Ombudsman to investigate and review my decision under
section 28(3) of the Act.
We do not intend to publish this response on the Department of the Prime Minister and
Cabinet’s website.
Yours sincerely
Clare Ward
Executive Director, Strategy, Governance and Engagement
Executive Wing, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand 6011
4277498
64 4 817 9698 www.dpmc.govt.nz
