MFAT inquiry report shows true cost of public sector cuts

The Ombudsman’s report into Paula Rebstock’s inquiry shows that the Government spent taxpayer money on a politically motivated attacks to distract attention from drastic public sector cuts, the Green Party said today.

The Ombudsman’s report into Paula Rebstock’s inquiry shows that the Government spent taxpayer money on a politically motivated attacks to distract attention from drastic public sector cuts, the Green Party said today.

 

Ombudsman Ron Paterson today found that the expensive inquiry by the State Services Commission and Paula Rebstock into Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) leaks was poorly carried out and disparaged senior diplomats who were not responsible for the leaks.

  

“This is further evidence that Paula Rebstock is being paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to pursue the Government’s agenda at the expense of justice, fairness and good process,” said Green Party global affairs spokesperson Kennedy Graham.

 

“Taxpayers should not have to fork out half a million dollars for an ill-conceived smear campaign and then pay for compensation to individuals who were unfairly targeted.

 

“This fiasco began with Murray McCully’s poorly managed change programme at MFAT and has spiralled out of control since then.

 

“Reforms at MFAT were justified on the basis of cost-cutting, but the climate of suspicion that the investigation created and the ballooning costs have undermined this rationale.

 

“Ian Rennie claims that his inquiry was necessary to ensure that public servants will behave with the highest levels of integrity, but his conduct and the conduct of Paula Rebstock falls far short of those standards.

 

“Today’s findings by the Ombudsman confirm that public servants and taxpayers deserve better from this Government and its ministers,” said Dr Graham.

Latest Foreign Affairs Announcements

Story

Stronger action needed to stop Iran regime violence

Stronger action consistent with New Zealand’s commitment to freedom, justice, and equality is needed to hold those responsible for violence and hum...
Read More

Story

Political parties call for action on Iran

Parties from across Parliament have come together to call on the Government to take decisive action to hold those responsible for violence and huma...
Read More

Story

Greens call for sanctions on Iranian regime

The Green Party is calling for Aotearoa New Zealand to follow the EU, UK, and Canada by imposing sanctions and restrictions on the organisations an...
Read More

Story

Green Party applauds strength of Iranian protestors and communities

The Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand applauds the strength of Iranian protestors and the communities supporting them in Iran and around the worl...
Read More

Story

At-risk Afghans evacuated to Aotearoa must be reunited with family

One year on from the fall of Kabul to the Taliban, the Green Party is calling on the Government to do more to support our most at-risk evacuees.
Read More

Story

Pacific engagement must tackle climate change and avoid militarisation

Aotearoa must retain its independent foreign policy in the Pacific region, the Green Party says.
Read More