11 Jul 2013

State sector efficiency legislation passes final reading

2:50 pm on 11 July 2013

Legislation aiming to encourage innovation and efficiency in the public service has passed its final reading in Parliament.

The House sat under extended hours on Thursday morning to push through legislation before it goes into recess for two weeks.

The legislation includes provisions to strengthen the role of the State Services Commissioner and to require chief executives to consider the collective interests of the Government, rather than focusing on single agencies.

Despite reservations expressedf by Labour MP Phil Goff, Labour supported the bill.

Mr Goff said Labour wants an innovative efficient public service, but morale must be maintained too.

National MP John Hayes told the House the legislation will help the Government get back to surplus in 2014/15.

The State Sector and Public Finance Reform Bill was split into three bills for its final vote.

The State Sector Amendment Bill passed by 95 votes to 22, with the Greens, New Zealand First, Mana and the Maori Party voting against it.

The other two bills, relating to public finance and crown entities, passed with unanimous support.