Accountability

We're all aware that government is by and large accountable only to it self, even though the general voting populace voted those representatives into power.  Government is elected by the people to do the work of the people and to show leadership in doing so.  But how many governments soon earn the wrath of the voters?

But generally I have no issues with whoever is in power, they are by and large doing the job the best they can.  Which leads me to the departments of government that do the work their political gurus deem necessary for the betterment of society.  Normally all are accoutnable to their masters, but on occasions they do fall foul with the people they are there to serve, to inside turmoil, and to changes in government policy.  Generally those departments aren't overly affected, they have a job to do and how they do it is based on how much government interference they have to deal with, or how much internal evidence of incompetence or neglect.

It's fair to say many departments have horror stories, and that's not related to their own departments, or government, but in how they manage their clients.  I'm not willing to out any individual or department, but I will say that I have known people commit suicide when dealing with IRD, I have seen beneficiaries wronged just because they fit a stereotype, I have seen children placed in many foster homes which means although they seek stability (and state as such on their website) the reality is that many children end up worse off by being misplaced.

And it's common, more common than you think.  I shouldn't bite the hand that feeds (WINZ) and I won't as I have been fairly treated by them over the past few years (it wasn't always the case).  I should bag IRD for causing me more grief than any human deserves, but I won't.  I'll leave that up to the families of those that have died at their hands.  I should have a go at CYFS, I have friends that have been disgustingly treated by them (and their previous incarnation).  The Lost Generation didn't just happen to Aborigines.  But I'll leave CYFS to others more deserving, but will say they have refused any training for Mental Health issues for their Social Workers.

I know most of you reading would have had instances where you have had to tackle a Government Department on some personal matter knowing you were in the right and having to prove it.  Well, here's the rub.  If you are so disgusted with your treatment no doubt you will change your vote at the next elections to oust those responsible.  Wrong I say.  What needs to happen is for government (read parliament) need to be made well aware there are issues with the departments they lead, and by lobbying direct (and maybe causing some embarrassment) to goverment do you not only raise yours and others issues, but you become a part of the process for change.

In summary, if you need to use a government department, you do so knowing that you have every right to fair treatment, because you made your voice heard in voting.  In essence the people that work in government departments actually work for you so stand up for your rights.