Maharey Needs to Hold Rankin Accountable

Tuesday 13th Mar 2001 Dr Muriel Newman Media Release -- Social Welfare

ACT Social Welfare Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman said Social Services Minister Steve Maharey should give an immediate indication of the action he intends to take against Department of Work and Income Chief Executive Christine Rankin following Ms Rankin’s threat of legal action against a Member of Parliament.

“It is quite unbelievable that a high ranking civil servant can threaten legal action against an MP and not inform the Minister responsible. Where is the accountability?

“In opposition this Minister was a trenchant critic of the DWI’s Chief Executive. He was going to be the strong Minister, the Minister of Accountability and Transparency and yet today, having been caught completely by surprise by Ms Rankin’s action, he has merely put out a mild statement and promised there will be no further comment.

“This is not the strong decisive action this Minister was promising when he was in opposition. Instead of taking a lead he has gone into hiding,” Dr Newman said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

© Scoop Media