6. GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam) Link to this
to the Minister of State Services
Does he have confidence in the Public Service?
Hon DAVID PARKERIf a briefing has been provided to a Minister in order to assist him or her to answer a question in the House and the briefing, for example, states that there have been complaints—about any particular issue—from a number of Government departments and officials, would the Minister expect those complaining departments or officials to be identified?
I am not sure whether I follow the import of that question. But I restate that I have confidence in the public sector.
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. The Minister says he does not understand the question. Can I clarify the question?
Madam SPEAKERThe Minister addressed the question. His answer was that he did not understand the question. The member has the opportunity to ask another question.
When the briefing note was provided for the Hon Trevor Mallard, speaking on his behalf in the House about a week ago, during which Mr Mallard managed to besmirch the reputation of Erin Leigh by saying that six pieces of her work were rejected and there were numerous complaints from other Government departments, agencies, and officials, including himself, were all the other agencies identified?