Six super ministries possible

At the end of March attention will be focused on the Government’s Budget Policy Statement for 2007.
Until the document is publicly released at the end of the month its contents remain secret. However, some speculation can be made about the road map it sets out for Government’s direction in 2007.
It is expected that the statement will incorporate for the first time the principles contained in the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) and the vision for the next 20 years - “Te Kaveinga Nui.”
For Government and the public service in particular this means seeking greater levels of efficiency and effectiveness. This means transforming the whole machinery of government.
The NSDP calls for delivery of services to have a “sector based” approached. This means, realigning Government agencies involved in servicing the same sector so delivery is focused, not duplicated and cost effective.
Expect Government to review the public service and reposition and restructure Government agencies within and across sectors.
Look to Government during this process to dump inefficient and non-productive outputs.
Government operations will be up for rationalization and prioritization which will mean not only the slashing of costs but the loss of some jobs.
Look to the possible formation of “super ministries” - possibly six maybe five. At present having 18 Heads of Ministry (HOMs) reporting to six Ministers is ludicrous in such a small country with a declining population. Some HOMs have become, as Sir Geoffrey Henry once stated, settled into a comfort zone.
In his March 2005 Budget Policy Statement, then Finance Minister Sir Geoffrey signaled a review of the public service in terms of numbers, standards, performance and job-sizing.
In his Budget speech on 17 June 2005 Sir Geoffrey spoke of the public service reforms of 1996 being undone. He referred to the increase in public servants from 1,341 at September 1998 to 1,757 at March 2005. He referred to overstaffing, inefficiency and the goal to achieve a small well paid service delivering high quality services.
JOBS
Sir Geoffrey’s proposals took a nose dive when Dr Maoate became Finance Minister later in 2005. In his budget speech on 20 September 2005, Maoate expressed concern some public servants would lose their jobs through no fault of their own. He indicated his preference for achieving efficient staffing levels by natural attrition through retirements and resignations.
Last year, Government, in announcing the proposed new building for the Ministry of Education, also announced an “Education Super Ministry”. This is incorporating teacher training, hospitality training, Human Resources Department and ministry operations and policy staff.

Headlines : Times 192 19 Mar 2007
- Government business units fail to meet targets
- Marurai names research boss
- Time to focus budget on real issues
- Bridge on the ball
- Letters: Waiting for Makea family to embrace truth
- Tuesday will be trial for Oceania
- Dengue mosquitoes facing new Tom Wichman threat
- Six super ministries possible
- Glitz and Glamour coming to Aitutaki

Headlines : Times 191 12 Mar 2007
- AGM suspended, rule change sought
- Court case ‘lost’ for nearly two years
- Busy time ahead for leading artist
- LA LAUNCH Gets Boost
- Rotoract success up at the Staircase
- Ngakau Aroa: raising Games funds
- Rwandan priorities similar to ours: Aunty Mau
- New ring coming, Oceania next month