The Terms of Reference of the People's Inquiry

August 2005

Objectives of the People's Inquiry

( to include but not be limited to)

1. The empowerment of the community through having their experiences heard and taken seriously, and the opportunity to positively influence future biosecurity programmes and research directions.

2. An accurate report and preliminary analysis of the health, social, human rights and ecological impacts (including pets) of urban aerial spraying programmes from a community perspective.

3. An analysis of the government processes and actions from a community perspective.

4. Recommendations for dealing with the Inquiry-identified health, social, human rights and ecological impacts (including pets) resulting from the aerial spraying.

5. Recommendations for future action to include but not be limited to:

·   mitigation of adverse effects

·   research directions and projects

·   further in-depth analysis of information reported to the Inquiry

·   models for community participation/partnerships with government and science in future projects that directly impact the community

·   improved methods of managing biosecurity issues in an urban setting, using a sustainable people-centred approach.

·   changes to government policy and legislation that involve biosecurity issues and the use of hazardous substances.

Scope of the People's Inquiry

      (to include but not be limited to) 

1. The Inquiry will consider information presented to it by members of the affected community, and community heath workers and advocates who have been involved in the painted apple moth programme.

2. By agreement of the Steering Committee, the Inquiry may consider information presented to it by members of the affected communities involved in the White spotted Tussock Moth, and Asian gypsy Moth programmes.

3. It will consider information presented to it by scientists and medical personnel who contributed to the community perspective, by agreement of the Steering Committee.

4. Every attempt shall be made to ensure that each person who wishes to present information has the opportunity to do so in a way that is appropriate for their needs. Information can be presented in written, audio, video, and or oral form. People will be encouraged to provide as much as possible in written form (especially electronically), and then if desired speak to their evidence.

5. The Inquiry will last for 5-6 days, possibly comprising 4 working days and 2 weekend days and/or evenings as required to accommodate all needs.

6.The information will be presented to 5 Commissioners with expertise in the effects of chemicals on human health, human rights, social and ecological impacts, and a community-based perspective.

7. The Commissioners will be a mixture of respected national and overseas leaders of a calibre that will lend mana to the Inquiry, and be gender and ethnicity-balanced.

8. The Commissioners will have the mandate to ask for relevant documents from other agencies.

9. Evidence presented to the People's Inquiry will be recorded and analysed, with the Commissioners producing the final Report and recommendations.