February 5, 2013

Joyce Mr Spin It not Mr Fix it

Education Minister Steven Joyce is in charge of managing publicity of the Novopay debacle rather than taking action to fix it, Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei said today after official advice showed problems could take two years to fix.

“Steven Joyce is touted as the National Government’s Mr Fix It but really he’s Mr Spin It,” Mrs Turei said.

“Official advice leaked to the Green Party shows Novopay problems could take two years to fix and see significantly more taxpayer cash poured in.

“Steven Joyce claimed a time frame couldn’t be put on how long it would take to resolve problems but the advice shows he was given sobering information spelling out how long it would actually take.”

“It’s time the Minister started being more honest with parents, teachers and principals who are really struggling with Novopay problems rather than try spin the facts to try make things look better than they are.

“The advice also highlights plans to ‘manage’ and ‘mitigate’ the release of damaging information.

“Steven Joyce was brought in to manage and mitigate not fix the problems,” Mrs Turei said.

Further information:
Link to the briefing paper
http://www.greens.org.nz/sites/default/files/skmbt_c451-13020117000.pdf

ENDS

Scoop copy of Novopay Briefing to the incoming Minister: skmbt_c45113020117000.pdf

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