WINZ Report Does Nothing To Lift Public Confidence
Friday 28th Jan 2000
Muriel Newman
Media Release -- Social Welfare
A report from the State Services Commissioner into a settlement between WINZ and a staff member sacked over the aircraft
charter debacle does nothing to lift public confidence in WINZ or its Chief Executive according to ACT Social Welfare
Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman.
"The Commissioner's report has prompted more tough platitudes from Social Services Minister Steve Maharey which he
clearly does not intend to match with actions.
"State Services Commissioner Michael Wintringham must press on with a review of Ms Rankin's position that I asked him to
carry out this week along with clarification of the issue of her ultimate responsibility for the charter debacle as the
Chief Executive that has never been publicly resolved.
"Steve Maharey is putting his own credibility on the line with his ongoing refusal to confront the issue of Ms Rankin's
continued tenure as Chief Executive of WINZ.
"There is nothing in today's report from the State Services Commissioner that changes Steve Maharey's earlier statement
that Christine Ranking should "go" because she has damaged the credibility of the entire public sector.
"This report does not address the issues raised in the Employment Court ruling released last week that found in favour
of the employee.
"The Wairaki debacle will continue to be the New Zealand public's symbol of Ms Rankin's performance as the Chief
Executive of WINZ," said Muriel Newman. ENDS
For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at
act@parliament.govt.nz.