MEDIA RELEASE

Monday 8 May 2006

State Services Commission Inquiry Into Disclosure of Classified Information About the Government's Telecommunications Stocktake Review to Telecom

The State Services Commissioner, Mark Prebble, today released the Terms of Reference for his inquiry into the disclosure of classified information about the Government's Telecommunications Stocktake Review to Telecom.

Mark Prebble has appointed the State Services Commission's Chief Legal Advisor, David Shanks to initiate the inquiry on his behalf. The Commissioner's Terms of Reference for the inquiry are to:

* investigate how Telecom came to possess classified information about the Government's Telecommunications Stocktake Review

* report to the Prime Minister and the Minister of State Services on the outcome of the investigation. Mark Prebble said he has asked that the inquiry process get under way as soon as possible.

"The assistance of Telecom in providing information will aid the inquiry process and is welcome.

"I realise this is a matter of intense public interest and I will ensure a fair and robust inquiry process is followed.

"The inquiry is expected to be completed within a month and I intend for the final report to be publicly released," Mark Prebble said.

ENDS

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