Media Releases
Secretary of Labour Accepts & Endorses Ombudsman's Report Recommendations
26 February 2004
The Secretary of Labour, Dr James Buwalda, accepts the recommendations in the Ombudsman's report into the actions of New Zealand Immigration Service staff over the release of official information and says they endorse the conclusions of his own investigation carried out last year.
Commenting on the Ombudsman's report which was released today, Dr Buwalda said that he accepts that the New Zealand Immigration Service did not meet its obligations in dealing with official information requests in early 2003 relating to Mr Ahmed Zaoui. He says he has already put in place steps to rectify the systems and process failures which are the subject of the five main recommendations of the Ombudsman's report.
"Following my internal investigation last year I actively addressed the issues that the Ombudsman has identified in this report as requiring action, namely:
- We are concluding a review of our guidelines for handling official information.
- Once this review is completed, ongoing training will be given to staff to ensure the guidelines are effectively applied.
- I have made it explicit to the Department's managers that they must actively oversee the work of people involved in responding to Official information requests.
- Where classified information is involved, managers must ensure that people with the appropriate security clearance handle this.
- I have also made it clear to all staff that no inappropriate material should be included in any communications originating within this Department, and that Managers are responsible for monitoring this.
"The Ombudsman does, however, conclude that two officials failed in different ways to display the professionalism and diligence required of public servants. While I had already initiated disciplinary proceedings and performance management action following my own investigation last year, I will now take the Ombudsman's findings into consideration in determining what further action to take."
"I have made it clear to all managers and staff of the Department
of Labour that I will not tolerate any future unprofessional behaviour that
risks compromising the Department's ability to deserve and hold the respect
of citizens", Dr Buwalda said.
