Labour state sector spokesperson Trevor Mallard has cautiously welcomed the review of information technology projects in the public sector but said it was long overdue.

Ten months ago, Labour released a report detailing massive overspending and mismanagement of IT projects within the public sector.

"Our investigation, using the Government own statistical information, showed that mismanagement of IT projects had cost the country millions," Trevor Mallard

"Jenny Shipley's period as State Services Minister was particularly dismal. More than a third of the large scale projects went over time - a failure by the standard that Mrs Shipley set herself.

"When Labour released its report in October last year, the Government brushed aside our concerns. I am pleased that they may now be doing something which could reveal the seriousness of the problem.

"The high-profile debacle of the INCIS project has alerted the public to the wastage which can occur if information technology projects are not properly managed."

Trevor Mallard said he would be submitting Labour's report to the Government's review team for their information.

"I will also monitor their work closely to ensure that this is not another Government whitewash."

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