ACT Backs Call For Immigration Inquiry

Wednesday 18th Oct 2000 Penny Webster Media Release -- Other

The unprecedented criticism of officials by the Minister of Immigration, Lianne Dalziel, and her subsequent failure to take serious action, raises questions as to the accuracy of her statement, said ACT Immigration spokesman Penny Webster.

“The actions of the Minister in the House, when she effectively accused her officials of lying, cannot be treated lightly.

“This issue goes to the heart of the integrity of the public service, and the importance of maintaining a relationship of trust and propriety between professional public servants and their Ministers.

“If officials have lied then senior Immigration Service management, and the State Services Commission, must take appropriate and transparent disciplinary action.

“If the Minister has misrepresented the role of officials, even given the pressures the Minister was under, then she has misled the House.

“The only way this matter can be quickly and fairly resolved is through an independent Inquiry, thus I am writing to the State Services Commissioner to supporting Marie Hasler’s call for a full Inquiry,” said Penny Webster.

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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