Government’s working groups cost $16m

“News of another government review highlights the growing cost of ‘review-itis’ infecting the Ardern-Peters administration”, says ACT Leader David Seymour.

This morning Peeni Henare announced the appointment of a panel to review Whanau Ora.

"After accounting for fees, flights and accommodation, the average government review costs around $400,000. This Government has announced about 40 reviews, working groups, or panels.

“We can reasonably assume then that the taxpayer is on the hook for about $16 million.

“National has paid lip service to fiscal prudence, but it was no better in government. By one estimate, National launched 87 reviews in the space of two years, at an estimated cost of more than $34 million.

“Both National and now the government parties have been struck down with ‘review-itis’.

“ACT is calling on the government to exercise restraint. Reviews are legitimate in some cases, but taxpayers deserve better than costly government-by-working group.

“Whether it’s due to a lack of intellectual horsepower, unpreparedness for government, or underwhelming leadership, these reviews are are wasteful way to run a government”, says Mr Seymour.

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