The Public Service Act Amendment Bill passed its first reading in the House.
You can view the Minister for the Public Service Hon Judith Collins media release here.
Public service to get back to basics, deliver value | Beehive.govt.nz
The Minister says the amendments are designed to ensure the Public Service is professional, politically neutral, and equipped to serve the government of the day and deliver better outcomes for taxpayers.
Broadly the suite of amendments:
- Clarify the role of the Public Service
- Streamline chief executive responsibilities
- Reinforce the principles of political neutrality, merit-based appointments and professional competence
- Improve chief executive and agency performance management (including to ensure better oversight and transparency of Public Service conduct)
- Ensure capability in key positions that oversee common operational functions
- Provide for better management of risks to national security or the national interest.
These amendments are now subject to a legislative process including through Select Committee where the public will be able to make submissions on the proposed amendments.
For more information see our Public Service Act 2020 amendments page below. We will update this page with further information as the Bill progresses.
