Yates Dianne: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Yates Dianne: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:618;Page:13551] 
7.  
DIANNE YATES (Labour—Hamilton East) 
 to the  
Minister of State Services 
: Has the number of State sector employees increased since 1999; if so why? 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Minister of State Services) 
: 
 Yes. I am pleased to say that this Government has invested heavily in building a strong public service infrastructure. For example in the recent Budget we have invested in boosting the capability of the Department of Child Youth and Family Services Corrections and the Ministry of Defence. I am advised that during the term of this Labour-led Government we have employed nearly 3000 extra nurses and 2000 more teachers than would be required by roll growth—ensuring that public services like health and education can be delivered to a high standard. Further there has been a trend away from using consultants back towards employing staff which is something the National Party does not like because there are fewer jobs for its mates. 
Dianne Yates 
: What reports has he seen on potential risks to the future capacity of the public service? 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD 
: I have seen reports that suggest that the public service is becoming bloated. It appears that some people—[ 
Interruption 
] No I do not think it was Gerry Brownlee. It appears that some people do not like the idea that there should be more social workers in the Department of Child Youth and Family Services or more nurses or teachers— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: The comment about Mr Brownlee was not in order. It was an interjection made by one of his own colleagues. The Minister will withdraw that comment and then proceed with his answer. 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD 
: I withdraw. I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. That does leave us in a slightly invidious position. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Oh no it does not. I can see where it leaves the Minister. It leaves him in a position where I am telling him to answer the question or— 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD 
: I am happy to report that some people are opposed to there being more social workers in the Department of Child Youth and Family Services or more nurses and teachers. John Key’s approach would result in a cut to all of those numbers. 
John Key 
: Can the Minister confirm that even using the very narrowest definition of public servants an increase of 19000 employees earning the average wage has cost taxpayers in excess of $800 million a year; and how does he justify the Budget’s estimate of an additional $1.2 billion of personnel costs in the years ahead? 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD 
: There have not been 19000 extra—even using the most narrow definition of public service. Therefore I think the member should check his facts get the divisions done and then tell Don Brash about it—all right? 
Rt Hon Winston Peters 
: Is the percentage increase the Minister has outlined lesser or greater than the percentage increase in the staff of Don Brash since he has been the leader of the National Party; if so what does that say? 
Mr SPEAKER 
: That is a good try but it is not a question. The Minister has no responsibility for that. 
Rt Hon Winston Peters 
: Can I rephrase it? I will rephrase it in a way that will make it acceptable. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I will be generous—yes. 
Rt Hon Winston Peters 
: Has he received any reports of the comparative percentage increase between the 1999 figures—that he uses—and 2004 as opposed to the percentage increases in staff of the office of Don Brash the leader of the National Party since he acquired that office? 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Please be seated. Unfortunately the member does not have responsibility for that particular area of Government; I think I do. 
Rt Hon Winston Peters 
: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I know the staff here are employed by the Parliamentary Service and the public would regard them as all being part of the State sector; therefore surely it is part of the State sector. I am talking about a segment of the State sector and I am trying to elicit for my own curiosity without making any assertions whether there has been an increase by this office that adds to the overall figure about which the Minister speaks. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: No and I am responsible for that not the Minister of State Services. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. While you are responsible for employment in that office I am responsible for matters dealing with the broader State sector of which the Parliamentary Service is a part. It is not part of the core State sector but it is part of the broader State sector and those numbers are certainly included in the Budget figures that were referred to in the original question resulting from Mr Key’s press statement. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: That is an interesting try but it fails. 
Rt Hon Winston Peters 
: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. As you have been apprised of the facts with respect to the Minister’s answer I seek leave to ask you the question then. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to ask me the question. Is there any objection? [ 
Interruption 
] There is. 
Rt Hon Winston Peters 
: Was there an objection? 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Yes. [ 
Interruption 
] I heard an objection. I have to listen and if someone says “yes there is objection” that is it.