12. JEANETTE FITZSIMONS (Co-Leader—Green) Link to this
to the Minister of Research, Science and Technology
Does he stand by his statement in the Dominion Post last Saturday that the dismissal of internationally renowned scientist Dr Jim Salinger from his position at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research is “an employment dispute, which must be handled by the chief executive and the board”?
Jeanette Fitzsimons Link to this
Is there ever a point where an employment issue justifies his intervention as Minister because of its potential effects on the quality of science and on New Zealand’s international reputation; if so, does he think that the dismissal of a Nobel Laureate on grounds that appear to the public to be quite flimsy might be such a point?
Hon Dr WAYNE MAPP Link to this
The chief executive of the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Mr Morgan, and the chair of the board, Sue Suckling, came and saw me on the matter, in accordance with the no-surprises policy. I advised them that this was a matter for the chief executive officer and the board since it was an employment matter, and was not a matter for the Minister.
Jeanette Fitzsimons Link to this
Will the Minister reconsider his position in the light of the considerable overseas consternation about the dismissal of a Nobel Laureate of Dr Salinger’s status and call in the board of the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research again and ask for an assurance that this action by its chief executive was justified, so that we do not, in the words of our Prime Minister, “continue to export scientists and import taxi drivers”?
Hon Dr WAYNE MAPP Link to this
I am aware of Dr Salinger’s work and reputation. However, as I have said previously, this is an employment matter and is a matter strictly for the board and the chief executive officer.
Moana MackeyWill the Minister undertake to write to all Crown research institute chief executives this week, assuring them that all publicly employed scientists are still entitled, and, indeed, encouraged, to make scientific information publicly available, including in circumstances where such information may contradict Government policy?
Hon Dr WAYNE MAPP Link to this
There is an operating framework—in fact, prepared by the previous Government—that still is current, which states there must be good employment practices conducted by all of the Crown research institutes. I would assume that all of the employees and, indeed, the boards would operate under that practice.
I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I specifically asked whether the Minister would undertake to write to the chief executives this week, and I do not believe that he answered that question.
Mr SPEAKERI cannot elicit out of a Minister a yes or no answer, but the member does have a further supplementary question.
In refusing to call in the board of the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research to further investigate this issue, is the Minister telling the House that based on his information, Dr Salinger is not telling the truth in his public comments about his sacking being unfair?
Hon Dr WAYNE MAPP Link to this
This is a matter for the board and the chief executive officer, and that is where the issue shall lie. It is not a matter for the Minister.