Simeon Brown's Troubling Transition to Health Minister

A Concerning Track Record in Transport

Simeon Brown, the newly appointed Minister of Health, arrives with no formal health qualifications or experience. However, his tenure as Minister of Transport paints a concerning picture for the future of New Zealand's health. His decisions, often contrary to expert advice, appear to have negatively impacted public health, raising serious questions about his suitability for this crucial role.

Transport crashes account for a staggering 63% of serious injuries in New Zealand, placing immense strain on our hospitals. Addressing this issue is vital for a sustainable health system. Yet, Brown's actions seem to have exacerbated the problem rather than alleviating it.

Inexplicable Cuts to Safety Initiatives

Brown's decision to reduce funding for pedestrian and cyclist safety infrastructure is baffling, considering the high injury rates among these vulnerable groups. Cutting funds for footpath maintenance disproportionately harms the elderly, increasing their risk of falls and subsequent injuries. His reversal of safe speed measures, a move seemingly unprecedented internationally, further jeopardizes the safety of children, the elderly, and disabled individuals – those who need the most time to cross roads safely.

Ignoring Pleas from Health Professionals and School Leaders

Despite passionate pleas from health professionals and school leaders – some sharing heartbreaking stories of burying students lost to traffic accidents – Brown remained indifferent. He even mocked Auckland Transport's international road safety award for its soon-to-be-cancelled safe speeds program, dismissing it as a "woke award."

Impact on Physical Activity and Community Health

Beyond immediate injuries, Brown's transport policies have broader health implications. Walking, the most popular form of exercise for nearly 60% of New Zealanders, relies heavily on well-maintained footpaths. Similarly, about 40% of primary school children walk or bike to school, contributing to their physical and mental well-being. Brown's deliberate cuts to walking and cycling investments undermine these crucial aspects of public health.

Overriding Local Initiatives and Disregarding Community Needs

The Warkworth roundabout saga exemplifies Brown's disregard for local needs. He cancelled long-awaited improvements to this dangerous intersection simply because they included "five new speed bumps and three sections of cycleway," prioritizing ideology over community safety.

Exacerbating Air Pollution, a Major Health Threat

Air pollution, responsible for an estimated 1 in 10 premature deaths in New Zealand, poses a significant health risk. Two-thirds of this pollution stems from vehicle exhausts, contributing to various health problems, including asthma, heart disease, cancer, and dementia. Yet, Brown weakened efforts to combat air pollution, scrapping the clean car discount, reducing taxes on polluting diesel vehicles, and halting improvements in vehicle air quality standards, despite expert advice.

A Questionable Fit for Health Minister

A good health minister should demonstrate genuine concern for public well-being, heed expert advice, and foster collaboration. Brown's track record suggests a lack of these essential qualities. His rhetoric of "driving change" and "turbo-charging health" rings hollow given his past actions. The health system demands nuanced understanding and respect for evidence-based practices, not top-down directives from Wellington.

Brown's appointment raises serious concerns about the future of health in New Zealand. His past decisions indicate a concerning disregard for evidence and expert advice, potentially jeopardizing the well-being of the population he is now tasked with protecting.