9 June 2002

"Reports that former unionist Joris de Bres is the likely contender as the next Race Relations Commissioner proves that Margaret Wilson has learnt nothing from her past appointment disasters," says National's Justice spokesman Wayne Mapp.

Dr Mapp says there has been no consultation with National over a new Race Relations Commissioner, despite assurances that there would be.

"Margaret Wilson's record of appointing people to important public positions is nothing short of disastrous. You only have to look at the debacles over Ella Henry and Susan Bathgate to see this.

"Ms Wilson appears to have learnt nothing about the costs to taxpayers and New Zealanders' confidence in important public positions when she only pays lip service to proper consultation of appointees. "

Dr Mapp says with an election looming it is a breach of convention not to consult opposition parties about a likely appointee to an important public office such as Race Relations Commissioner.

"I wrote to Ms Wilson, some months, ago pointing out that proper consultation was expected. However, it appears as if she has again arrogantly disregarded due process.

"It is very important to the office of race relations, and to the nation, that the Race Relations Commissioner can command the confidence of the entire Parliament. However, this is unlikely to occur when the Government has made a mockery out of the proper consultation process," Dr Mapp concluded.

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