Nick Smith MP National Party Environment Spokesman

25 May 2006

National complains to SSC about sycophantic book

National Environment Spokesman Nick Smith has today laid a formal complaint with State Services Commissioner Mark Prebble over the Environment Ministry's farewell book for its departing chief executive.

Titled 'Gentle Footprints - Boots 'N' All', the book was published at a cost of $125,000, with taxpayers footing the bill.

"This book highlights a culture of waste, spin and egotism within the senior public service," says Dr Smith.

"It is sycophantic rubbish for this to be described as Barry Carbon's 'parting gift to New Zealanders' when taxpayers have had to foot the bill."

"This book is a totally over-the-top response to the retirement of a chief executive of just four years. It sets a dangerous precedent, and the State Services Commissioner should make plain that is it inappropriate.

"This is exactly the sort of public sector waste that National campaigned against during the election.

"The first responsibility for this particular example of waste lies with Environment Minister David Benson-Pope, who should not be defending this rubbish.

"As he is not prepared to act, the State Services Commissioner should do so to protect the long-term integrity of the public service."

See also

ENDS

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