11 August 2011
PSA backs call for investigation into Treasury’s gifting policy
The PSA, the country’s biggest union, is backing calls from the Green Party for a State Services Commission
investigation into Treasury’s gifting policy.
“Treasury officials received hundreds of gifts, including meals and tickets to sporting events and one official received
36 freebies in 46 weeks. That level of gifting could pose a threat to the integrity of the public service,” says Brenda
Pilott, PSA National Secretary. “Even small gifts can leave public officials open to criticism.”
“By contrast, records show that the Reserve Bank accepted only 19 gifts in two and a half years.”
“It’s important that the State Services Commission steps in now and investigates whether its guidelines on gifting have
been breached or are too easily misinterpreted. It would be unfortunate if the rest of the public service took their
lead from Treasury in this regard.”
“New Zealand’s public service has been judged as one of the least corrupt in the world. It’s a reputation we should be
jealously guarding.”
ENDS