4. Hon BILL ENGLISH (Deputy Leader—National) Link to this
to the Minister for the Environment
Does he have confidence in the chief executive of the Ministry for the Environment; if not, why not?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) Link to this
Yes, but of course we are awaiting the outcome of the current inquiry.
Has the Minister seen comments from the Prime Minister over the last 2 weeks questioning the competence of the chief executive of the Ministry for the Environment, and does he agree with those comments?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
I am aware of comments made by the Prime Minister about Mr Logan in relation to certain comments that he did not pass on to Mr Rennie and that would have been helpful in the circumstances of the events of 2 weeks ago.
What does the Minister believe are the reasons why the chief executive of his ministry is subject to an investigation under the State Sector Act by the State Services Commissioner, and now by an alternative and independent investigator, Mr Don Hunn?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
There were clearly issues around the employment of a person in the ministry, and statements were made by the Acting State Services Commissioner that were based on incomplete information. That information was available to the chief executive of the Ministry for the Environment, and had in fact been made available to the State Services Commissioner earlier.
If the inquiry confirms what is publicly known, and what has in fact been stated several times by the chief executive of the Ministry for the Environment—namely, that he did not pass the information on—will the Minister maintain his confidence in that chief executive?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
That is a matter the Minister will have to consider at the time that any such report is delivered, taking account of any of the circumstances in that report.
Has the Acting Minister who has recently taken over the portfolio discussed with the chief executive any progress on the Ministry for the Environment register of personal interests, and how it will be administered?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
I have no information on that, but I would be very surprised if anything has been happening in that respect.
Why does the Minister not know whether the Ministry for the Environment is going to proceed with its register of interests, given the high level of interest in that across the whole public sector and by the public?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
Because I am answering on behalf of the Minister, I have not been briefed on that supplementary question, which is about the seventh one.