Use of Artificial Intelligence in Ministerial Communications - ASMS Strike
Dr Vanamali Joseph made this Official Information request to Simeon Brown
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From: Dr Vanamali Joseph
Kia ora Simeon Brown,
Under the Official Information Act, I am requesting the following information:
1. Was artificial intelligence, including large language models (e.g. OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, or similar tools), used in any capacity to draft, edit, review, or generate the content of your Facebook post regarding the planned ASMS strike on 1 May 2025?
For reference, I have copied the full post below this letter.
If the answer to Question 1 is yes, please provide:
2. The specific name(s) and version(s) of any AI tools used.
3. A description of how each tool was used (e.g. drafting, rephrasing, editing, formatting, sentiment checks).
4. The position title(s) (not individual names) of the person(s) responsible for approving the final version of the post.
5. Copies of any internal policies, guidance documents, or standard operating procedures that govern the use of AI in Ministerial communications or public messaging.
If the answer to Question 1 is no, please advise:
6. Whether AI tools are used more broadly in your Ministerial communications (e.g. for speeches, newsletters, social media posts, media releases), and under what circumstances they are utilised.
7. What processes, if any, are in place to ensure factual accuracy, public accountability, and ethical oversight when AI tools are used in the preparation of public-facing communications.
This request is made in the public interest, with a view to promoting transparency around the role of generative AI in political and government communications, particularly during periods of public and industrial sensitivity.
Ngā manaakitanga,
Dr Vanamali Joseph
MBChB (Auckland)
Independent IT Consultant
#####
Your Facebook Post, Posted 15th April 2025
Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1NAXukP...
It’s deeply disappointing that the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) union is going on strike on 1 May. Their members, senior doctors, are walking away from patients and cancelling care.
This isn’t how we fix the health system. It’s a decision that will hurt patients.
This union-led strike action will cancel around 4,300 planned care procedures or first specialist assessments, and up to 4,300 radiology procedures.
Critical procedures booked the day before may also be affected. The ripple effects will last well beyond 1 May.
We value our senior doctors. They are a vital part of our health system and play a key role in delivering timely, quality healthcare to New Zealanders.
They also receive significant remuneration for the key role they play – with an average total remuneration of $343,500.
Senior doctors receive six weeks of annual leave, fully paid three-month sabbaticals every six years, and reimbursement for medical licences, college memberships, and insurance.
They are well supported – and it’s important to acknowledge the full package they receive.
Let’s be clear – this strike is a choice, not a necessity.
Senior doctors also receive two weeks of paid leave each year for conferences and training, on top of their annual leave. Meanwhile, patients are left facing cancelled care and longer waitlists.
Striking won’t shorten waitlists. Walking off the job won’t fix system pressure. But it will delay care for thousands of New Zealanders who’ve already waited too long.
Health New Zealand is at the table, ready to negotiate in good faith. I urge the ASMS union to come back to talks. Striking isn’t leadership. It’s failing patients – and New Zealanders expect better.
We’re focused on reducing wait times, funding more surgeries, and putting patients first. Senior doctors play a critical role in delivering on this plan – ensuring all New Zealanders have access to timely, quality healthcare.
The ASMS union should return to talks – not walk away from patients. There’s still time to do the right thing.
From: Simeon Brown (MIN)
Simeon Brown
Thank you for contacting the Hon Simeon Brown, Minister of Health,
Minister for State Owned Enterprises, and Minister for Auckland.
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References
Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. mailto:[email address]
3. mailto:[email address]
4. mailto:[email address]
5. http://www.dpmc.govt.nz/our-business-uni...
6. https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/
7. https://bookmyvaccine.health.nz/
8. https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/corporate...
9. https://www.hdc.org.nz/making-a-complain...
From: Simeon Brown (MIN)
Simeon Brown
Dear Dr Vanamali Joseph
Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) request, received on 18th April, in which you requested the following information:
"1. Was artificial intelligence, including large language models (e.g. OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, or similar tools), used in any capacity to draft, edit, review, or generate the content of your Facebook post regarding the planned ASMS strike on 1 May 2025?
For reference, I have copied the full post below this letter.
If the answer to Question 1 is yes, please provide:
2. The specific name(s) and version(s) of any AI tools used.
3. A description of how each tool was used (e.g. drafting, rephrasing, editing, formatting, sentiment checks).
4. The position title(s) (not individual names) of the person(s) responsible for approving the final version of the post.
5. Copies of any internal policies, guidance documents, or standard operating procedures that govern the use of AI in Ministerial communications or public messaging.
If the answer to Question 1 is no, please advise:
6. Whether AI tools are used more broadly in your Ministerial communications (e.g. for speeches, newsletters, social media posts, media releases), and under what circumstances they are utilised.
7. What processes, if any, are in place to ensure factual accuracy, public accountability, and ethical oversight when AI tools are used in the preparation of public-facing communications."
Your request will be answered within the provisions of the Official Information Act.
Kind regards,
Georgia Carr
Private Secretary Administration | Office of Hon Simeon Brown MP
Member of Parliament for Pakuranga
Minister of Health | Minister for Auckland | Minister for State Owned Enterprises
Email: [email address] Website: www.Beehive,govt.nz
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
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