MSD Changes Need to Come from the Top

"Contrary to the belief of Paula Bennet, the Deloitte report shows us that there are serious systemic problems at MSD when it comes to the privacy and welfare of beneficiaries", says Auckland Action Against Poverty Spokesperson Chris Zack

"These are not merely operational matters but indicative of a serious culture of flippancy when it comes to not only beneficiaries privacy, but their wellbeing."

"We are not convinced that this is merely a mistake of bureaucracy, and we await
the second report from Deloitte on broader issues about the security of the Ministry's information systems and the culture within the organisation."

"Paula Bennet needs to take responsibility for these privacy breaches along with the fear,harm and mistrust among beneficiaries that is a result."

"We would like to see this horrible matter be a catalyst for change within MSD. We want a fundamental change in the way MSD relates to beneficiaries. From one based on a disregard of privacy rights, fear and intimidation to a relationship where beneficiaries privacy and wellbeing is respected."

"If Paula Bennet is not able to right the ship in this matter then perhaps it is time the job goes to someone who can."

ENDS

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Arguably Reassuring: Inspector-General Finds GCSB "Arguably" Legal

Of the 88 individuals:

• 15 cases involving 22 individuals did not have any information intercepted by GCSB.

• another four cases involving five individuals were the subjects of a New Zealand Security Intelligence Service warrant and the GCSB assisted in the execution of the warrants. The Inspector-General is of the view that there were arguably no breaches and the law is unclear.

• the Bureau only provided technical assistance which did not involve interception of communications, involving three of the individuals, so no breach occurred.

• the remaining cases involved the collection of metadata, and the Inspector-General formed the view that there had arguably been no breach, noting once again that the law is unclear.
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