"On paper these protocols would seem robust enough to satisfy Labour's requirements. But, as always, much will depend on
the political will behind them," Labour finance spokesperson Michael Cullen said today.
"And one has to wonder how vigilant this Government will be given that it was so slow to act in the first place.
"This package is a confession of Jenny Shipley's failure as Minister of State Services when the Auditor General brought
these matters to her attention - and she did nothing.
"Had firm action been taken then, the scandals which have occurred since in terms of pay-outs and the confusion in terms
of responsibility need never have happened.
"The fact that they were allowed to happen has compromised the public's confidence in the public service. That is a
serious business but is just another strand in this Government's unfortunate legacy," Dr Cullen said.