Gerry Brownlee MP National Party State Services Spokesman

15 November 2005

Did CYF contract involve job promise?

National Party State Services spokesman Gerry Brownlee says the Minister needs to ask some more questions about the nature of the deal offered to outgoing CYF boss Paula Tyler.

"Was there any agreement, formal or informal, to find Ms Tyler's partner a 'suitable' job or a 'senior state sector position' as reported today?

Mr Brownlee first raised concerns about the contract offered to Ms Tyler, revealing she received $70,000 to cover travel and relocation expenses.

The $70, 000 included money for 'household furnishings' 'storage' and multiple return flights for she and her partner between Edmonton and Wellington.

She is leaving at the end of the year, less than halfway through her contract.

"The State Services Commission's 2005 annual report shows the CYF CEO is paid between $330,000 and $339,000. On top of that we have paid $70,000 in relocation and travel costs for Ms Tyler and her partner.

"Ms Tyler is the 16th highest paid public service boss.

"Annette King needs to find out from officials whether Ms Tyler was ever led to believe that the New Zealand Government would help to find her partner a 'suitable' job," says Mr Brownlee.

"If that's correct, under what authority was the State Services Commissioner operating and is this more than just an isolated case?"

ENDS

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