6. GERRY BROWNLEE (Deputy Leader—National) Link to this
to the Prime Minister
Has she, her Ministers or staff received any information or advice from the State Services Commissioner since he began his inquiry into the leaking of a confidential Budget-related Cabinet paper to Telecom New Zealand Ltd; if so, what was that advice or information?
Rt Hon HELEN CLARK (Prime Minister) Link to this
As I have said publicly, the State Services Commissioner has phoned me twice to advise on process.
Has the State Services Commissioner advised the Prime Minister, or any member of her Government, of the name of the person who leaked the confidential Budget-related Cabinet paper to Telecom New Zealand Ltd; if so, what specific action has been taken against that person?
Rt Hon HELEN CLARK Link to this
To the best of my knowledge he certainly has not advised me, and I do not believe that any other Minister has been advised.
Why, when Dr Prebble’s terms of reference expressly state that he is to report to the Prime Minister and the Minister of State Services, are the Prime Minister and her Ministers stating they know nothing because they have not asked any questions; and is it really acceptable for a Government that used to wax lyrical about being transparent, open, and accountable to take that position?
Rt Hon HELEN CLARK Link to this
It is simply because the State Services Commissioner has not reported, and the Government has no desire to interfere in the process he is undergoing.
When the State Services Commissioner was publicly stating, late last week, that he knew who the leaker was, and that he would make the announcement sometime this week, why did the Prime Minister not think it would be a good idea for either her or her Minister of State Services to pick up the phone and ask him who it was?
Rt Hon HELEN CLARK Link to this
Dr Prebble rang me to tell me of the process. I have deemed it inappropriate to get early advice.
Will the Prime Minister’s Government be cooperating fully with the Securities Commission’s inquiry into the effects of the release of the telecommunications stocktake paper on the markets; if so, will she and her Ministers provide written and oral evidence if requested?
Rt Hon HELEN CLARK Link to this
I am not aware of any such request, but if the Government can help the Securities Commission, of course it will.
Rt Hon HELEN CLARK Link to this
The member, like myself, will have to wait for the State Services Commissioner’s report. I do not know.