Gerry Brownlee MP
National Party State Services Spokesman
18 December 2007
Has Trevor Mallard got a steer on SSC report?
National Party State Services spokesman Gerry Brownlee says Trevor Mallard needs to explain why he waited until today to
apologise to Environment Ministry whistleblower Erin Leigh.
“Has Mr Mallard been given a steer about what’s in the State Services Commission report examining ministerial meddling
at the Environment Ministry?”
Mr Brownlee says today’s apology is a remarkable turnaround from December 5, when Mr Mallard said ‘I don’t think I need
to apologise … I acted on advice’.
“What has happened since then?
“Both he and the Prime Minister said they were waiting for the outcome of the State Services Commission report into the
appointment of Clare Curran before making a decision on apologies.
“But today in Parliament, Annette King said that she had not seen a draft of the SSC report into the debacle, and did
not know when it would be released.
“It has been clear for weeks now that Mr Mallard defamed Ms Leigh, then refused to repeat the smear outside Parliament
where he could be sued. His leader protected him and defended his decision.
“Trevor Mallard should explain why he suddenly felt compelled to apologise today, having strongly resisted the
invitation to do so previously.”
ENDS