Contrast this with the recent decision by industry lobbyist and agriculture minister (?!) Andrew Hoggard to monkey with animal welfare standards for pigs, against the advice of his ministry's own experts.
This shows that statutory panels, independent of the government-of-the-day, can make better, evidence-based decisions than politicians. Who may be swayed by industry lobbying and campaign donations or - as in this case - even be foxes in charge of henhouses.
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This is what a recent NZ Drug Foundation report said we need for drug policy in Aotearoa, and I agree wholeheartedly.
Politicians across successive govts have consistently shown that they can't be objective about anything to do with drugs. Too often drug harms are increased as part of "tough on crime" grandstanding, despite the evidence about what actually reduces harm.
We need a nonpartisan, evidence-focused body with powers to determine drug policy.
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