"On paper these protocols would
seem robust enough to satisfy Labour's requirements. But,
as always, much will depend on the political will behind
them," Labour finance spokesperson Michael Cullen said
today.
"And one has to wonder how vigilant this Government
will be given that it was so slow to act in the first
place.
"This package is a confession of Jenny Shipley's
failure as Minister of State Services when the Auditor
General brought these matters to her attention - and she did
nothing.
"Had firm action been taken then, the scandals
which have occurred since in terms of pay-outs and the
confusion in terms of responsibility need never have
happened.
"The fact that they were allowed to happen has
compromised the public's confidence in the public service.
That is a serious business but is just another strand in
this Government's unfortunate legacy," Dr Cullen said.
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