$400,000 salary for lotto boss raises serious questions - ACT

Sunday 29th Aug 1999
Rodney Hide
Media Release -- Governance & Constitution

29 August 1999

Hon Simon Upton
Minister of State Services
Parliament Buildings
WELLINGTON

fax 04-471-2913

Dear Hon Simon Upton

The revelation that State Services boss Michael Wintringham didn't blow the whistle on Lotteries boss David Bale's $400,000 plus salary package raises serious questions about who guards the guardians.

Michael Wintringham has already said that he considers Mr Bale's pay excessive (that's something I suppose) but what has he done about it? His job is to keep an eye on state sector bosses' performance and pay. Last year it's reported that Mr Wintringham was unable to get details of Mr Bale's employment terms and conditions. What does that say about Mr Wintringham's performance? This year he again had difficulty and when it did get it he expressed concern. Expressed concern? This is taxpayers' money, Minister.

That the boss of the Lotteries Commission can secure a $400,000 plus package against the wishes of the State Services Commissioner suggests the system of accountability operating for pay and conditions for state sector bosses is badly askew.

I would like to know when it was you were informed of what Mr Bale's salary was. I would also like to know what was the process by which David Bale's salary package was determined and decided upon. I would like to know what Michael Wintringham's role in determining his package was and what it should be. I would also like to know whether you believe Mr Wintringham has acted appropriately in the matter of David Bale's salary package.

I would like to know too whether you believe Mr Bale's salary is justified, and if not, what you intend to do about it.

Yours sincerely

Rodney Hide MP ACT FINANCE SPOKESMAN

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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