Unauthorised Disclosure of MFAT Papers - Appeal Decision

MEDIA RELEASE

10 JULY 2013

Unauthorised Disclosure of MFAT Papers – Court of Appeal Decision

State Services Commissioner Iain Rennie welcomed today’s Court of Appeal decision.

This dismissed the judicial review application in relation to draft findings of the investigation undertaken by Paula Rebstock into the unauthorised disclosure of information relating to restructuring plans at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

As part of her draft report Ms Rebstock has expressed suspicions that the appellant, ‘Applicant A,’ was responsible for the leak of two Cabinet papers relating to the MFAT restructuring plans.

The Cabinet papers were provided in confidence to senior officials at MFAT, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the State Services Commission and Treasury.

“The judgement today means Ms Rebstock can now finalise that part of her report and I have discussed with her how she can complete the final report for my consideration as expeditiously as possible,” Mr Rennie said.

“Assuming Ms Rebstock’s final report confirms her draft findings with respect to the leak of the Cabinet papers, I intend to apply to the High Court for the lifting of the suppression orders relating to the identity of ‘A’.

Mr Rennie said that he cannot comment further on this matter until he has received the report in its entirety.

ENDS

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