Rebstock inquiry seriously flawed

Critical evidence ignored by the Rebstock inquiry into MFAT leaks provides further evidence of the inquiry’s inadequacy, says Labour’s State Services spokesperson, Maryan Street.

“Evidence provided in writing by Sir Maarten Wevers, who was head of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet at the time, shows that there was nothing untoward about senior MFAT officials communicating their concerns with him or even with Cabinet Ministers.

“In contrast, Paula Rebstock went out of her way in her report to ignore that evidence and impugn two senior and experienced MFAT officials who had legitimate professional concerns about the restructuring process going on within MFAT.

“This inquiry not only failed to find a source of the leaks of documents to Opposition politicians and cost the taxpayer half a million dollars, but seriously undermines the ability of public servants to give free and frank advice where they feel in their professional capacity that it is lacking,” said Maryan Street.

“This has serious implications for the whole of the state services and smacks of a government which only hears what it wants to hear. This inquiry has been dubious from the outset and there are many questions yet to be answered about it.”

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