GCSB bungles again
Serious questions need to be asked about why the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) got fundamental
reporting numbers wrong in their Annual Report, the Green Party said today.
The GCSB has today been forced to acknowledge errors in their reporting of the number of interception warrants and
access authorisations that were in force and issued during the 2012/13 financial year.
“This is another serious mistake by the GCSB, which raises real questions about their ability to carry out their job,”
said Green Party Co-leader Dr Russel Norman.
“The most generous interpretation is that the Bureau was confused about their legal reporting obligations.
“Once again, the GCSB has been found wanting.
“This mistake is not a small technical issue. It cuts to the heart of their accountability to the Government and the New
Zealand public.
“The number of interception warrants and access authorisations in force and new ones issued over a year is bread and
butter stuff. They should not be getting this sort of thing wrong.
“This again puts the integrity of the GCSB in doubt, coming on top of a string of issues including the GCSB’s illegal
spying of over 80 New Zealanders and permanent residents.
“It also suggests the Prime Minister is not on top of his own department.
“We urgently need a wide-ranging, independent inquiry into New Zealand’s intelligence agencies to ensure proper
oversight and to protect the privacy of New Zealanders,” said Dr Norman.
Ends