Su’a William Sio
Pacific Affairs Spokesperson

1 August 2014

Minister must explain shambles at Ministry

Pacific Island Affairs Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-IIga must explain questionable spending and controversial staff appointments at his ministry, Labour’s Pacific Island Affairs spokesperson, Su’a William Sio says.

“Revelations about big spending and staffing problems at the Ministry of Pacific Islands Affairs are not a good look for a body charged with lifting social and economic outcomes for Pacific families.

“Pacific families are being hit with high unemployment, low incomes and unaffordable housing. Now the only ministry charged with advocating for better lives for our people is embroiled in internal staffing issues.

“The Minister needs to front up and explain how his ‘leadership’ has resulted in the unfolding shambles at the ministry.

“The bulk of the extra money Mr Lotu-IIga crowed about the Ministry getting in this year’s Budget appears to have been for redundancies.

“It is ludicrous that during a time of high unemployment for Pacific communities, this Minister is creating more joblessness.

“He needs to explain why key advisors in Wellington and Auckland have left the Ministry.

“The Minister clearly has no vision for the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs,” Su’a William Sio says.

ENDS

© Scoop Media