Justice Ministry boss must front over five-year taxpayer-funded “garden leave”

Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams says the latest revelations about the Ministry of Justice are a damning indictment of public sector accountability.

“The question isn’t where Russell Harrison is. The question is: where is Secretary for Justice Andrew Kibblewhite?”

“This happened on his watch. Yet instead of fronting, Kibblewhite has gone to ground while Ministers are left cleaning up the mess. New Zealanders deserve to hear from the person actually responsible.”

“If Andrew Kibblewhite knew a staff member was collecting a taxpayer-funded salary for five years while effectively on garden leave, but failed to tell his Minister, his position is simply untenable.”

“The Ministry’s excuse that nothing could be done until Harrison was convicted is nonsense on stilts. Employment law doesn’t require proof beyond reasonable doubt. Employers make decisions based on trust, conduct and suitability every day.”

“Based on the allegations, the charges, and the company Harrison was allegedly keeping, it was obvious he was no longer suitable to work for the Ministry of Justice. Instead of showing him the door, officials parked him on the taxpayer payroll and kept it quiet.”

“This is now a real test for Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche. He has made restoring accountability across the public service a cornerstone of his leadership. Well, here’s his big test. If those words are to mean anything, there must be real consequences for the officials responsible.”