6. GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam) Link to this
to the Minister of State Services
Do the “Minister’s records” referred to in answers to question for oral answer No. 7 yesterday confirm she first learnt of David Benson-Pope’s discussion with Hugh Logan regarding the employment of Madeleine Setchell on 3 July 2007; if so, who told her?
Hon ANNETTE KING (Minister of State Services) Link to this
No, I did not hear of the discussion between Mr Benson-Pope and Mr Hugh Logan on 3 July, as I have told this House before. At that time, 3 July, I was advised by Mr Rennie that an employment problem existed. To make it crystal clear to the member asking the question, I repeat what I said in response to his question No. 3 on 9 August, which is that I was first advised of the comments of Mr Benson-Pope to Mr Hugh Logan on 25 July.
On what date did the Minister learn that Steve Hurring from David Benson-Pope’s office had phoned Hugh Logan to express concern about the appointment of Madeleine Setchell?
I will have to come back to the member. I do not have all the times and dates in front of me, but I am happy to come back very shortly.
Darren HughesHas she received any reports on file notes that were made by the State Services Commissioner, Dr Prebble?
I told this House on 16 August that I have not asked Dr Prebble whether he kept file notes on his discussion or interactions with Hugh Logan regarding the Setchell affair. Such matters are now before the independent investigation by Mr Don Hunn. Yesterday Mr Brownlee tried to mislead the House by implying that I had seen a file note and that I knew about the issue of whether the file notes existed. I repeat that I had no idea whether such notes existed, and that is a matter for Mr Hunn to investigate.
Can the Minister confirm that the first she had heard of this matter was in the discussion she held with the Acting State Services Commissioner on 3 July, despite the fact that the ninth floor of the Beehive knew, the Ministry for the Environment knew, the State Services Commissioner knew, the Leader of the Opposition’s office knew, and numerous journalists knew and had known of the matter for some 5 weeks; and will she further assure the House that none of her ministerial office staff knew of this matter before that date?
Does the Minister then agree that although from 30 May the ninth floor of the Beehive knew about this matter, the State Services Commissioner knew about this matter, the Ministry for the Environment knew about this matter, David Benson-Pope and his office knew about this matter, the Leader of the Opposition and his office knew about this matter, and numerous journalists knew about the matter and were beginning to write about it, she apparently did not know anything for 5 weeks and would have us believe that she did not know anything about David Benson-Pope’s intervention for some 8 weeks; and does not this make it look very much as if she is part of a “cover up until you are caught” deal?
I can do no more than say that those are the facts. I was not informed about this issue until Mr Rennie told me, in a routine meeting, and he told me about an employment matter problem with the ministry. It was not a matter of going into issues about Mr Benson-Pope or Mr Logan, as this member is trying to imply, and I take exception to the idea that there was a cover-up. In fact, I think that most people have had enough of that member trying to make out that the Public Service and senior public servants have been trying to cover up anything. I believe that that member does not have a feather to fly on but that he is trying to find one.
If there was—[ Interruption] What was that? Madam Speaker, the paint is starting to peel off the walls; it is unfortunate that Mrs Pettis is back to her old tricks again.
Madam SPEAKERI do, Madam Speaker. If there was no cover-up, if there was no problem, and if the State Services Commissioner is beyond reproach, why is Don Hunn investigating this matter; and will his eventual report be just another part of the whitewash of this whole issue?
Mr Hunn is investigating so that we can stop the sort of kangaroo court and innuendoes that have been coming from the National Party for weeks over this issue.
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. I take exception to the comment just made by Gerry Brownlee.
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. On no fewer than eight occasions last week the Government screamed across to members on this side of the House: “Tell the truth.” , and no offence was taken. In fact, there was—
Please would the member be seated. The point is that if members do take exception, it is the convention in this House that the member withdraws and apologises. There is nothing to stop members from taking exception or not taking exception, but when they do, that is the procedure we follow. Would the member please withdraw and apologise.