3. Hon ANNETTE KING (Deputy Leader—Labour) Link to this
to the Minister for Social Development and Employment
Why did she appoint Christine Rankin as a Families Commissioner?
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development and Employment) Link to this
Because I believe she will be good in the role, and she is a strong advocate for children and their families.
Is Christine Rankin a suitable appointee in light of the culture of extravagance and sideshows she created when last employed in public service, including the $1 million spent on a new logo for, and the rebranding of, her department; the $80,000 spent on roadshows; the $25,000 spent on self-promotion videos in which she appeared alongside Martin Luther King and Gandhi; the $250,000 spent on advertising to overcome her bad publicity; and not forgetting the $165,0000 spent on charter planes to take her staff to a luxury resort for a meeting?
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
In the last few years Christine Rankin has been a strong advocate for children and their families. She is one of seven Families Commissioners, and I believe she will do a fine job in that role.
Dr Jackie BlueHon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
Today I also announced the appointment of Mr Bruce Pilbrow, the Chief Executive Officer of Parents Inc., to the Families Commission. Parents Inc. is a well-known and long-established organisation that offers practical solutions for parents. Mr Pilbrow and his team run nationwide programmes covering parenting skills, family coaching, and attitude programmes. This Government believes that families need practical solutions, and we are appointing people with first-hand experience in the realities that New Zealand families face.
Why did the Minister support Christine Rankin’s appointment, in light of her comments to colleagues that Christine Rankin’s behaviour that had led to the sacking of a Television New Zealand staffer was outrageous and she avoided having anything to do with the woman?
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
I have no recollection of making any comments like that, at all. I support Miss Rankin’s appointment to this role. I think she is a strong advocate for families, I certainly agree with her stance on child abuse and neglect, and I look forward to seeing the work she does on it.
What message is the Minister sending to the 200 hard-working Ministry of Social Development staff who have just learnt that they are to lose their jobs, in announcing the return of a person who brought the social welfare portfolio into disrepute and ridicule through wasteful expenditure?
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
I take umbrage at that member using what is a tough time for the ministry today as it is working through some difficult situations. [ Interruption] Shame on them! That came through in the briefing to the incoming Minister. It is a very difficult time, and we will not be playing petty party politics with it.
Mr SPEAKERI have allowed the House to let off a bit of steam after some provocation. I am now calling the Hon Annette King to ask a supplementary question.