PSA Media Release

9th May 2012

Open mind needed in MFAT leak investigation

The PSA says an investigation into the leak of sensitive Cabinet papers on restructuring at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade must keep an open mind, given the high level of political interference in the process.

The government has announced an investigation into the leak of three Cabinet papers to Labour’s Phil Goff last week, relating to the restructuring plans. The investigation will be led by Paula Rebstock.

PSA National Secretary Brenda Pilott says the whole cost-cutting and change management process at MFAT has been badly handled from the outset.

“This is the most chaotic public sector change process we’ve seen, with high levels of political interference involving several Ministerial offices and now the Prime Minister and cabinet,” she says.

“For that reason it’s important that the investigation into the leaks does not focus on MFAT alone and is as open and wide-ranging as possible”.

The PSA says if it is found that the leak came from within the Ministry itself it would be a sign of the widespread disaffection among staff over what continues to be a shambolic process.

Brenda Pilott says “the leaking of information should not be condoned but it happens when people feel that a process has been badly managed and they have been marginalised from it. It’s also a sign that staff have no confidence in the decisions being made”.

“It’s important to remember that MFAT staff work in a diplomatic environment and are very aware of their duties as public servants and their code of conduct. If any leak or breach of protocol has occurred from within MFAT itself, it would be a strong symptom of the internal frustration and disaffection there,” she says.

“This is a time of great uncertainty and anxiety for MFAT staff as they wait to find out about their futures and the final shape of the review”.

ends

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