Clark David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume 
Clark David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 18 October 2012. Volume:684;Page:5981. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
9. 
Dr DAVID CLARK (Labour—Dunedin North) 
 to the  
Prime Minister 
: Does he stand by his comment that Government computer systems “can’t actually support radical changes from Government”? 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
 on behalf of the Prime Minister: The Prime Minister stands by his statement which was in relation to the Inland Revenue Department’s existing computer system but he would suggest that if the member has any questions relating to details of the Inland Revenue Department’s computer system they would be better put to the Minister of Revenue. 
Dr David Clark 
: When the Prime Minister expressed concerns on Monday that “You’ve quite a lot of very old legacy systems within Government and increasingly demands for things to be done digital” were these the same concerns he had back in February; if so what further breach or other catalyst is required before the Government will outline a credible plan and time line to address the situation? 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE 
: We need to be constantly vigilant with regard to Government computer systems and they are being monitored frequently. 
Dr David Clark 
: Given the Prime Minister’s comment in February that you do not want to be in a position where Parliament is held hostage to a lack of technology when does the Prime Minister expect the Government will outline a credible time line that reflects the Prime Minister’s apparent urgency 8 months ago? 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE 
: Despite the dramatic attempts behind the question the reality is that there are a lot of systems operating in the technology sector for Government. They are always being upgraded and they are always being improved. What we do want is to make sure that there is greater vigilance over individual security. 
Dr David Clark 
: Is the Prime Minister aware that in its briefing to the incoming Government in 2011 the Inland Revenue Department argued that its dated computer system was hindering its work; and is this why the Inland Revenue Department had more than 1 million filed returns outstanding at the end of 31 March 2012? 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE 
: What was clear when we came into Government was that the previous Government had presided over a woeful neglect of information and communications technology infrastructure. Under this Government’s business transformation programme the redevelopment of the department’s computer system is the Inland Revenue Department’s top current priority. 
Hon Nanaia Mahuta 
: Does the Minister believe that the Government’s approximate $26 million investment in a payroll switch to the new Novopay system was a radical change for the worse leaving many teachers still waiting to be paid; if not why not? 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE 
: No. Although there have been some glitches it is generally working well. I point out that the system was started by the previous Labour Government. 
Hon Nanaia Mahuta 
: I seek leave to table a response to a written question showing— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! No no written questions are not tabled in the House. They are available to all members.