Coleman plays petty politics   
       

Immigration Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman today released the Ernst and Young Department of Labour Pacific Division report, exactly three months after it was completed, and chose to misrepresent its findings, Labour Immigration spokesperson Pete Hodgson says.

“The review was requested by the Labour Government prior to the election and while it is critical of previous management within the Pacific Division it also praised the hardworking staff and recommended it be kept with an increased budget.”

Mr Hodgson said the Pacific Island Division was established to improve what had previously been appalling service levels in the Pacific.

“The division was subsequently caught up in the tumultuous departure of the previous head of immigration which lead to Labour calling for this review.

“Mr Coleman should stop playing politics and start getting on with the job of providing an important service to the people of the Pacific.

“The fact he has taken three months to release the report and is failing to follow its recommendations points to a Minister more interested in scoring a few political points than doing his job,

“He now needs to get on with his job and provide Pacific Island Nations with urgent advice on whether he plans to provide adequate resources for immigration.

“He also needs to front up and explain whey he is axing the Pacific Island Division despite the Ernst and Young report advising him to keep it,” Pete Hodgson said.

ENDS

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