By EUGENE BINGHAM
The fate of controversial Winz chief Christine Rankin will depend on the outcome of a ministerial inquiry into her department.
State Services Minister Trevor Mallard announced the terms of a Government review into Work and Income New Zealand yesterday, with Prime Minister Helen Clark immediately signalling that the heat will be on Ms Rankin.
"If a real horror story is uncovered, of course people at the top have to take responsibility," Helen Clark said.
"It may not be as bad as worst fears suggest but certainly it's an inquiry that's designed to tell us whether the way in which this department is set up, established, managed, the culture within it, is satisfactory."
The $130,000 inquiry is to be carried out by former State Services Commissioner Don Hunn.
"The review is a chance to have this examined independently and to receive recommendations on how to address some of the weaknesses within the department."
While the Government wanted a culture of "moderation, thrift, and service to the public," Winz had a reputation for wastage and extravagance.
Controversies to dog the department in the past year include the chartering of a plane for a staff conference, a $100,000 "golden handshake" to a former staff member and bungles over student payments.
Opposition state services spokesman Roger Sowry called the review pointless.
"National is opposed to this charade because it is not necessary and any issues regarding the operation of Government departments should be investigated by the State Services Commission," said Mr Sowry.
"We are happy to support accountability in the public service. However, there are enough agencies of Government to look into the competence, or lack thereof, of Government departments."
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