Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams
says the latest revelations
about the Ministry of Justice are a damning indictment of
public sector accountability.
“The question
isn’t where Russell Harrison is. The question is where is
Secretary for Justice Andrew Kibblewhite?”
“This
happened on his watch. Yet instead of fronting, Kibblewhite
has gone to ground while Ministers are left cleaning up the
mess. New Zealanders deserve to hear from the person
actually responsible.”
“If Andrew Kibblewhite knew
a staff member was collecting a taxpayer-funded salary for
five years while effectively on garden leave, but failed to
tell his Minister, his position is simply
untenable.”
“The Ministry’s excuse that nothing
could be done until Harrison was convicted is nonsense on
stilts. Employment law doesn’t require proof beyond
reasonable doubt. Employers make decisions based on trust,
conduct and suitability every day.”
“Based on the
allegations, the charges and the company Harrison was
allegedly keeping, it was obvious he was no longer suitable
to work for the Ministry of Justice. Instead of showing him
the door, officials parked him on the taxpayer-payroll and
kept it quiet.”
“This is now a real test for
Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche. He has made
restoring accountability across the public service a
cornerstone of his leadership. Well, here’s his big test.
If those words are to mean anything, there must be real
consequences for the officials
responsible.”
NOTES:
The New Zealand
Taxpayers’ Union is an independent and
membership-driven activist group, dedicated to being the
voice for Kiwi taxpayers in the corridors of power. Its
mission, lower taxes, less waste, more transparency,
is supported by 200,000 subscribed members and
supporters.
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