Rosie Manins
RAROTONGA (Cook Islands News / Pacific Media Watch): Frustrated by the lack of transparency and response from the government, Cook Islands media organisations are launching a campaign for accountability.
Just 10 months into the Cook Islands Party's reign, it is estimated cabinet ministers alone have indulged in at least 40 international trips.
The Pitt Media Group which includes Cook Islands Television, Cook Islands Herald and Cook Islands Times has compiled a list of trips taken by Prime Minister Henry Puna, Deputy Prime Minister Tom Marsters, and cabinet ministers Mark Brown, Teina Bishop, Nandi Glassie and Teariki Heather.
As it happens, most were in New Zealand as part of the government's 20-strong delegation to the 2011 Pacific Leaders Forum in Auckland.
It was the largest Cook Islands delegation to the annual forum by far - in at least the last six years - and will cost the government at least $50,000.
Trevor Pitt says much of the local media's frustration stems from the fact travel disclosure is made by government grudgingly, and more often than not after trips have taken place.
"We are tired of finding ourselves in a position where we are learning about these trips after the fact."
Pitt says Cook Islanders often have to learn of their government representatives indulging in foreign junkets through international media because there is a lack of communication on a domestic level.
"The performance to date of announcing overseas assignments and reporting on outcomes is disgraceful."
Cook Islands News shares Pitt's concerns.
Formal requests have been made for detailed information on ministerial travel, to varying degrees of success.
At present CI News is waiting for confirmation that government has seriously depleted its Civil List, following claims the Cook Islands Party spent almost $200,000 on travel in little more than two months this year.
CI News managing editor John Woods says he believes taxpayers deserve and want full disclosure of government travel including the expenses and per diems claimed and used not just by members of parliament but also by government employees and contractors.
One thing is certain: media pressure will remain on the government to be open and honest about ministerial travel and the perceived benefits of an international presence as opposed to work in-country.
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