Inquiries into the unauthorised release of Government information
18 March 2010

The State Services Commissioner, Iain Rennie, today announced two inquiries into the unauthorised release of Government information.

The first inquiry is into the unauthorised disclosure of information relating to a Cabinet paper on the ‘Stocktake of Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act 1991.’

The second is an investigation into the unauthorised disclosure of information relating to a machinery of government Cabinet paper on proposed changes to the structure of the State sector.

“The unauthorised release of Government information has the potential to seriously undermine trust in the Public Service. It is critical that we thoroughly investigate these breaches and act on any findings to ensure confidence in the system is maintained.

“Ministers need to be able to continue to trust us to work with them around issues that can at times be difficult, and I expect public servants to follow good systems and practices that enable decisions to be made in an appropriately confidential manner.

“I have appointed the State Services Commission’s Chief Legal Advisor to lead both investigations and report his findings to me as soon as possible.

“It is my intention to make the final report public as soon as practicable,” Iain Rennie said.

Terms of Reference: Crown Minerals paper
Pursuant to provisions of the State Sector Act 1988, the State Services Commissioner will:

• Undertake an inquiry into the possible unauthorised disclosure of information from the paper; and
• Provide advice to the Prime Minister and Minister of State Services on what further actions could be taken to deter unauthorised disclosure of government information

Terms of Reference: Machinery of government information
Pursuant to provisions of the State Sector Act 1988, the State Services Commissioner will:

• Investigate the relevant facts around the possible unauthorised disclosure of information relating to a proposal to reorganise certain State Services agencies; and
• Make any appropriate findings on what further actions could be taken to deter unauthorised disclosure of government information

In both instances the State Services Commissioner will take responsibility to advise chief executives of the need to have systems and procedures in place to ensure that government information; including Cabinet material, is protected securely, and is not disclosed except in accordance with authorised procedures.

ENDS

© Scoop Media