How Many More Lisa Clements Are There?
Wednesday 17 Mar 2004 Dr Muriel Newman Press Releases -- Social Welfare
Revelations that the Justice Ministry knew of Lisa Clement's history raises serious questions, not only about its
screening procedures but, of how many other Lisa Clements are still working in the public sector, ACT New Zealand Social
Welfare Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman said today.
"Media reports today have revealed that the Justice Ministry knew of Clement's aliases and convictions - but `cannot
say why the information was not passed on' to the Social Development Ministry," Dr Newman said.
"Clearly, it was sheer incompetence that allowed Clement to defraud $1.9 million of taxpayers' money. It is completely
unacceptable that her convictions were uncovered, yet not acted upon - in fact, had this been the case with a private
company, heads would certainly roll.
"Further, all this information has only come to light after Clement was caught. Had she not slipped up - leading to her
own discovery - she might still be in MSD today, embezzling public money to fund her lavish lifestyle.
"Even more disturbing is the question of how many times this has happened. To that end, I am calling on the Justice
Ministry to do an audit of its employment screening procedures.
"It is also important that the Ministry review its cases to ensure that no other Lisa Clements have managed to slip
through the cracks and are currently working in the public sector. Taxpayers deserve to know that their money is being
protected from fraudsters," Dr Newman said.
ENDS
For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at
act@parliament.govt.nz.