First cabinet free of tension

Wednesday 6 December 12.50pm-It has been reported that the PM and Cabinet have decided today at their first formal Cabinet meeting that their top priority will be to look at cost reductions and a stronger focus on the efficiency of government expenditure. The first step the PM has taken is to leave his Cabinet at five members and start saving money by not appointing a sixth Minister.
Cabinet agrees there will be considerable savings to make by not having a sixth Minister (Support Office $190,000, office assets-vehicles, Ministerial salary, civil list travel).
The priority of reducing the costs will shape the PM’s political agenda –how he approaches the measures for implementing the reform.
Looking at the country’s finances is an important step given the bleak messages being received in terms of the revenue incomes and the economic uncertainties of the business sector.
The tension that prevailed when former DPM Sir Terepai Maoate was in Cabinet was noticeably absent as it was reported that today’s Cabinet was a very cordial affair. All the Ministers have developed a good relationship and each is clear on their respective roles they are going to play in the administration.

Herald Issue 463 10 June
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