Lt. General Tim Keating The Chief Ombudsman has launched an investigation into what it terms the NZ Defence Force's "systemic" delays in handling official information requests. GayNZ.com Daily News currently has a complaint lodged with the ombudsman regarding our October request for information relating to changes the Force has made in the wake of the suicide of on-duty gay soldier Corporal Dougie Hughes. The NZDF, which has been loudly proclaiming its gay-friendliness in recent months, agreed to provide information to our reporter under the terms of the Official Information Act but did not respond within the legally required time period. It has also not responded to our follow-up correspondence and GayNZ.com understands at least one other media organisation has been experiencing considerable delays. Chief Ombudsman Beverley Waken is reportedly awaiting a response to her concerns from the head of the Defence Force, Lieutenant General Tim Keating.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 3rd March 2014 - 11:05am