3. GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam) Link to this
to the Minister of State Services
Does she have confidence in the State Services Commissioner; if so, why?
Hon ANNETTE KING (Minister of State Services) Link to this
Yes; because he is an experienced and a conscientious public servant, who has worked for both a National and a Labour Government during his long-term career.
How many times, between 27 May 2007 and 4 August 2007, did the Minister receive briefings, advice, or other communications from the State Services Commissioner, any person acting on his behalf, or any person acting on behalf of his office?
My recollection is that there were two or three phone calls between Mr Prebble and myself during that period.
Was the issue of concern being raised by the Minister’s then Cabinet colleague David Benson-Pope, over the appointment of a communications manager at the Ministry for the Environment, ever raised with her in any of those meetings, communications, advices, or telephone discussions?
Madam SPEAKERAs I said in this House 2 weeks ago, the first time that I was advised of any matters relating to this matter was on Wednesday, 4 July, when I was advised by Iain Rennie that he had met the Leader of the Opposition’s chief of staff—sorry, that was Tuesday, 3 July. Mr Rennie advised me, in my regular meeting, that he had met with the chief of staff of the Leader of the Opposition, at that gentleman’s request. They had discussed a number of issues, including the employment issue at the Ministry for the Environment, advertisements, and other matters. The advice he was giving me was that he had met with the Leader of the Opposition. That was the first time it was ever raised with me, and that was all that was raised with me.
Was the Minister aware that Dr Prebble was intending to publish an article in the Dominion Post on 20 July that was designed to create space for David Benson-Pope to deny involvement in this case, and does it concern her that Dr Prebble chose to be complicit in giving the Minister so much wriggle room?
In relation to the last part of that question, I say that I do not believe that that is the case. In relation to the first part of the member’s question, I tell him that I was advised on the afternoon of Thursday, 19 July that Dr Prebble had an op-ed piece in the Dominion Post for the following day. It would already have been submitted at that stage.
Is the Minister concerned that Dr Prebble has now committed the same offence as Mr Benson-Pope, in being either forgetful or economical with the truth, but that although Mr Benson-Pope has lost his job, Dr Prebble appears to be keeping his—or does she accept a lower standard from the nation’s top public servant, which allows her to excuse his evasive behaviour?
I do not believe that Dr Prebble set out to mislead anybody; I think he genuinely forgot. He left to take some overseas leave, and I believe that he genuinely forgot. As the Prime Minister said, it is not a hanging offence to make a mistake—and that member has made plenty of mistakes, although I do notice that he has been demoted, probably for them.
Is the Minister telling the House today that she believes that Dr Prebble genuinely forgot the most salient fact in this whole case: that Dr Prebble forgot that the reason why this case was controversial was information that he had had at all times?
Yes, I believe that he genuinely forgot, because at that point it was not an issue, as far as Dr Prebble was concerned. At least he does know which job he has—at least he knows he is the State Services Commissioner—and does not claim to be the leader of the Labour Party.
Did the Minister note that in answer to questions today the Prime Minister has agreed that Mr Hunn will only be assisting Dr Prebble, who remains the key inquirer in this matter, thus making him the judge, the jury, the prosecution, the defence, and the key witness in this particular case; if so, how could she possibly expect the public to have confidence that Dr Prebble can ensure the political neutrality of the Public Service?
I do not think anyone here would doubt the integrity of Mr Don Hunn, who will be working alongside Dr Prebble in the inquiry. I would refer the member to Dr Prebble’s letter to Mr Hunn, which I am happy to table. It sets out very clearly exactly how he expects the inquiry to be undertaken. He has been very transparent in doing that, and I would say that the member has spent most of his time since he has been National’s spokesperson on the State services in bagging chief executives and demanding their resignations.