Social Services Minister Steve Maharey’s obsession with WINZ chief executive Christine Rankin means he is missing the point about who is responsible for the student loans fiasco, according to United New Zealand Party leader, Hon Peter Dunne.

“Mr Maharey is right to say the buck stops at the top.”

“He seems to be missing the point, however, that as Minister he is the one at the top.”

“He has every reason to hold Mrs Rankin accountable, and he should do so – but he should never forget he is the one ultimately responsible,” Mr Dunne says.

Mr Dunne says the fact Mr Maharey was not Minister at the time responsibility for student loans was shifted to WINZ is irrelevant.

“He is the Minister now, and under our system of Ministerial responsibility he is the person presently responsible.”

“Whether he likes it or not, he has to carry the can.”

“If he cannot stand the heat, he should follow Harry Truman’s advice and get out of the kitchen,” Mr Dunne says.

ENDS

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