Max Bradford National Industrial Relations Spokesperson

Wednesday 11 October 2000

Govt. covers-up over biased appointments

"It is appalling that the Government has again opted to cover-up instead of being accountable over appointments to the Employment Relations Authority," National's Industrial Relations spokesperson Max Bradford said today.

"The Government refused to front up in Parliament today and answer concerns about appointments to the Authority.

"There's concern about the appointments from a number of quarters - even from Labour MPs John Tamihere and Tariana Turia.

"The Government wouldn't even admit that Syd Jackson applied and was turned down - even though everyone knows it.

"What's the Government's game?

"It wants to cover-up why seven of the thirteen places on the Authority have gone to unionists and Labour Party stalwarts. "Citing 'privacy' as the reason why the Government would not answer specific questions about the appointments is feeble. "There's already deep concern in the community that the Employment Relations Authority is stacked with a bias against employers. "There are strong rumours of direct Ministerial interference in the normally politics free process of appointments to labour market institutions.

"The Government refusal to be accountable for these appointments adds fuel to that fire."

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