Cowardly Minister Attacks Staff

Thursday, 24 June 1999, 3:22 pm
Press Release: Mediacom press release distribution

MEDIACOM-RELEASE-SPARK

MEDIACOM-RELEASE-PSA

Cowardly Minister Attacks Staff From Protected Position

"Dr Smith has used his privileged position as National Library Minister, to launch an unwarranted attack on National Library staff, in the sure knowledge they would be dismissed if they answer back" said PSA organiser Michael Doherty today.

Responding to a quote from Dr Smith in Wellington's Capital Times (June 23 1999) in which Smith says staff are in a time warp, Mr Doherty said "Librarians have been at the forefront of technological change in New Zealand information systems for twenty years before anyone had heard of Dr Smith or his new right agenda."

PSA members in National Library support the new Te Puna computer system, but are firmly opposed to gutting the National Collections for the sake of appointing a new layer of managers and policy advisors. This concern needs to be shared by all citizens who have a concern for the quality of all library services in New Zealand.

PSA has an industrial strategy of "Partnership for Quality" whereby National Library could utilise the tremendous desire of National Library staff to deliver the best possible quality National Library services for this country. Instead the staff is attacked in this cowardly way by their Minister, who is more interested grandstanding for political gain than the quality of the National Library services he is charged with protecting.

Michael Doherty

PSA Organiser

MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE PSA

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