SSC Media Release
Report on the Immigration Service
22 April 2008

The State Services Commissioner, Mark Prebble, today announced that he would report to Ministers on the Department of Labour’s response to concerns about the handling by the Department of matters relating to family members of the head of the Immigration Service.

"This matter has resulted in public concerns being raised about whether there are different rules for the family members of senior officials.

"While it was the responsibility of the then Chief Executive to investigate the matters internally and to make any decisions affecting the Service or its employees, it is appropriate for the State Services Commissioner to consider whether that function has been discharged effectively. This is particularly so where public perceptions of the matter may undermine trust in the public service.

"Accordingly, I propose to investigate and report on the investigation and decision processes undertaken by the Department of Labour in relation to this matter.

"I am not yet in a position to provide a date for release of the report, but it is a high priority and the intention is to complete it as soon as possible," Mark Prebble said.

ENDS

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