Coalition axe poised over Govt bigwigs

By Andrew Laxon

Heads are likely to roll in the public sector once Labour and the Alliance form the new Government.

New Administrations traditionally clean out political appointments made by their opponents, and both parties have an added incentive this time.

The public sector has been plagued by scandals, ranging from extravagant spending at Work and Income New Zealand to the police's disastrous Incis computer project.

Prime Minister-elect Helen Clark sidestepped questions yesterday about the future of individuals such as Winz chief executive Christine Rankin.

But a week before the election she warned public-sector bosses to expect a shake-up.

"To those in public sector management who have forgotten how to spell the words 'public service,' I say get ready for change. The party is over."

Both Labour and the Alliance are not talking publicly about who will go, in order to avoid legal action against the new Government.

Outright purges can be expected on some quangos, such as the Lotteries Commission - where all five appointed board members are current or former National Party officials - and the Tourism Board.

Key entries in the coalition's little black book could include:

GOING


Christine Rankin, Winz: Labour has stopped just short of saying it would get rid of the flamboyant chief executive, who has run her revamped department like a flashy corporate business.

But the big dangly earrings have had their day.

Peter Doone, Police Commissioner: He was ultimately responsible for the $82 million Incis debacle.

National could not sack him because it had overseen the project. Labour and the Alliance will have no such problem.

The Incis commission of inquiry starts today.

Mark Prebble, Prime Minister's Department: The brother of Act leader Richard Prebble and former deputy Treasury head has been described by Helen Clark as an acolyte of the new right.

He will not be pushed out but may find it hard to accept the new policy direction.

Rosanne Meo, TVNZ: National appointed her as chairwoman to oversee privatisation at the state-owned broadcaster.

Mrs Meo's contract expires in February and the coalition will want a new face to take TVNZ back to public service broadcasting.

Her chief executive, Rick Ellis, will also be brushing off his CV.

Peter Biggs, Creative NZ: Helen Clark attacked him as a political appointee with close links to National.

Mr Biggs strongly rejected her claims but may feel uncomfortable under the new Administration - especially with Helen Clark taking the arts and culture portfolio.

Dave Hilliard, Timberlands: Labour has promised to stop logging state-owned native forests and to hand most of the forestry company's assets over to West Coasters through a local economic development trust.

Mr Hilliard may choose to go before this occurs.

STAYING


Dame Margaret Bazley, Social Welfare: Despite being linked with National's "beyond dependency" welfare policy, she is said to have a good working relationship with Labour and is a friend of Helen Clark.

Michael Wintringham, State Services: He will need to show he can adapt to Labour's demand for higher standards of accountability.

Ross Armstrong, NZ Post: The former National Party Auckland chairman looks like a classic political appointment but NZ Post is performing well under his chairmanship.

Jim Bolger, ambassador in Washington: Labour and the Alliance recognise the diplomatic value of having a former Prime Minister in the job.

Mr Bolger should see out his term - as long as he stops telephoning Helen Clark to tell her how to run the Government.

Paul East, high commissioner in London: The former Attorney-General in the Bolger Administration is probably safe, too.

Don Brash, Reserve Bank: The Governor should be comfortable with coalition monetary policy as long as Labour keeps the Alliance's more radical policies at bay.