Gerry Brownlee MP
National Party State Services Spokesman

11 December 2007

PM forgets it was Mallard who smeared Leigh

National Party State Services spokesman Gerry Brownlee says Helen Clark apparently needs to be reminded that the smear against Environment Ministry whistleblower Erin Leigh came from Trevor Mallard’s mouth.

“She has already tried to excuse this by saying Mr Mallard’s attack was ‘mild’ by his standards, and has now rounded on the Environment Ministry boss for letting her down.

“But the reality is that Mr Mallard put his own interpretation on the briefing he received from Hugh Logan. Until Mr Mallard used the material in Parliament, there was no question of defamation.

“Mr Logan has acknowledged his mistakes, whereas his Ministerial masters have tried to duck for cover. He has had the decency to apologise for his role in the publication of the Erin Leigh dirt file. Trevor Mallard should do the same.”

Mr Brownlee says Helen Clark should also be asking Mr Mallard how much ‘spin’ was on his public comments, because reports on Friday suggested he put a personal interpretation on Mr Logan’s paper.

“Did Trevor Mallard beat this up? Surely, Helen Clark will have asked him for an explanation.

“If she has, how can she continue to defend him?”

Mr Brownlee also says Justice Minister Annette King, who has responsibility for the inquiry because State Services Minister David Parker is conflicted, should say when she expects Mark Prebble will release his findings from the latest inquiry into the politicisation of the public service.

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