7. TODD McCLAY (National—Rotorua) Link to this
to the Minister of Defence
What steps is the Government taking to ensure that New Zealanders can have their say in the current defence review?
Hon Dr WAYNE MAPP (Minister of Defence) Link to this
Last Friday the Associate Minister and I launched the public consultation phase of the defence review. The public has until 24 August to make its views known. I should note that this is the first defence review for more than 10 years, and it will, in fact, be the very first time that the public has had a direct say in a defence review.
Hon Dr WAYNE MAPP Link to this
At the launch last week the Associate Minister and I released a public consultation document for comment. This will be widely available in libraries, and online at www.defence.govt.nz. There will also be eight to 12 public meetings so that the public can have its say directly. The Associate Minister will be leading that phase. For instance, next Thursday the Centre for Strategic Studies at Victoria University is hosting a day-long seminar for defence experts to discuss the review.
Hon Dr WAYNE MAPP Link to this
The defence review includes an independent panel comprising Mr Simon Murdoch; Martyn Dunne, the former major-general; and Mr Rob McLeod. They have been appointed and have already met with the review team and Ministers. Independent advice is also being sought on procurement, given the Auditor-General’s report of last year. The outcome will be a thorough and comprehensive review and is intended to place defence on a sound footing for the next two decades.