Say what you like about Paula Bennett’s [alleged] predilection for vindictively infringing other people’s privacy. Say what you like about her untenable denials and bullheaded refusal to acknowledge her transgressions (Privacy Commissioner findings notwithstanding). Say what you like about her perceived pulling-the-ladder-up-behind-her with respect to changes to training allowances for solo mums. Say what you like about the bombastic way she is handling her part of the National government’s campaign to ‘reform’/’slash’ (pick one) social welfare and the [alleged] cynical game-playing of her announcement timings.
All those items aside, the MSD/WINZ kiosk privacy fiasco shows this minister has been let down by public servants in her department to an astounding degree. (And yes, it could have been worse.)
She deserves better. We deserve better.
– P
I would venture to say she got exactly what she deserved – and maybe much more to come.
The sexy come hither pout may well disappear – unfortunately neither the dress sense or Uccent wont.
So you find her sexy?(!) Actually, that outfit works, IMO. (I mean it. But what do I know about women’s fashion? Nuttin’.)
On the more substantive point, no, I disagree. Whomsoever is in the position of Minister *deserves better* competence than she has received from her department.
I don’t need to wait for an ‘investigation’ to be already clear the performance of the IT department at MSD has been lamentable.
– P
Your post was ambiguous … if you refer to her IT dept … yes they were at fault … but the buck stops with big Paula.
Is she sexy – not unless you like the femme fatale black widow spider sort of type .. do you??
I say – her ministry reflects her cavalier ‘out west’ leadership … and she isnt so much let down – as hoist by her own ‘petard’ as it were.
She gets what she deserved – the rest (a la nuremburg) were probably convinced they were only “following orders”
I find it fascinating as to why you chose in this instance to not blame the Minister directly but by her public servants.
Can I ask why?, perhaps the same rational I have expressed here before over other issues raised has got people pondering?
Good for you.
Yes I can vouch the IT dept is having many meetings over this one.
Can you point to an example where I have ‘blamed’ a minister for their department’s actions? As I see it, as minister, Ms Bennett is ‘responsible’ but not to blame for this screw up.
She has assumed professional competence … and she’s been let down.
– P
Yes she is to blame … look at her record and her blatant misuse of information and her ministerial prerogatives … you sarcastically mentioned them in your post.
Doesnt a ministry take its lead from its minister?? I think it does.
The Key Government is full of examples perhaps…
Well, we see that differently.
I thought Ms Bennett’s statements at the media conference with her ministry’s Chief Executive Brendan Boyle were exemplary and all one could expect as expressions of regret and determination to investigate and resolve to do better.
Her answers in the House were less so, but in my experience, that debating chamber is a bear-pit that tends not to bring the best out of people …
http://parliamenttoday.co.nz/2012/10/questions-and-answers-october-16/
we do see it differently and i can only guess why.
I say again .. you sarcastically referred previously to her less than examplary actions of the past?? In detail??
I think it was less determination and regret as being more likely – “Jeezus h christ … i’ve been caught out…” whichis probably summed up as ‘remorse’ ie i’ve been found out.
The chick is corrupt .. but hey lets let history and time be the judge.
I remain unimpressed with Ms Bennett’s one-sided release of beneficiaries’ private information as part of a political debate, and her continued indefensible (in my view) denial of the Privacy Commissioner’s finding that she breached privacy by doing so … casting the commissioner’s finding as an ‘opinion'(!!) … sets a very poor example, I think. Her continued defiance on this demeans her and makes her look ‘bull-headed’ as I said in my post.
None of this relieves the MSD computer network professionals of their obligation to produce professional results which anyone can see they did not.
No way do I think Ms Bennett’s arguably arrogant, ‘cavalier’ attitudes on privacy perpetuate that public kiosk fiasco.
– P
Thats cool – but – the head of the snake has to be held to account. fact.
People do what they are allowed to do. Fact.
Key and the Dotcom Media fueled fiasco.
Link please.
Buy Korean – they’ve never prosecuted a war on us …
Go Hyundai and Kia …
Yeah
Dotcom is an example of Keys fuckwit approach to things … he is savvy – but lacks the foresight to see the downside of his chicanery and corrupt approach to matters.
Maybe also – it may point to the reason why his old Alma Mater “fraternity” of the moneyed elite and Money Men … is so very unworthy of the trust of any voting public (if they could but see it as such)
Any man who could condone the purchase of some heap of kraut crap branded with BMW has to be dodgy… We won the war but they are allowed to dump their substandard technology on our shores at inflated prices … well really!!!
Interesting that you raise the contentious ministerial BMW fleet purchase. I think it was one of the earliest examples of the prime minister using the now infamous ‘I didn’t know and don’t recall being told’ explanation/excuse/joke … a harsher critic than myself** might suggest it can be seen as a forerunner to Mr Key’s Dotcom shtik.
See:
John Key sorry for BMW car mess
NZPA | Tuesday, February 22, 2011 11:27
http://www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/news/john-key-sorry-for-bmw-car-mess/1045103/
A precursor?
– P
** I certainly do NOT take the position that Mr Key can be blithely and without evidence accused of ‘chicanery’ and ‘corruption’ that you seem to take Ivan — anonymously. Cheap shots taken from behind a mask are not endearing, in my view.
You may differ from Mr Key and question his position on such things as Dotcom and his handling of the SkyCity pokies-convention centre tender/negotiations BUT it’s pretty crappy to just publicly smear him as ‘corrupt’.
I think that’s just not fair.
Dearest Peter .. i am not a member of the “media” .. and i happen to think he (key) is corrupt. That is my honest viewpoint.
PS the BMW mention was meant lightheartedly…
I tend to think your viewpoint on “anonymous” and “behind a mask” are a little presumptuous … dont you….
After all .. Mr Keys Government may by its various powers via legislation – determine anyone .. including me – as being ‘something’ – if not corrupt or by implication – as being something in particular. In public (often) – what’s more.
Where is the difference Peter?
What are my rights Peter – and when in your opinion – am i allowed to exercise them?
Or should i wait till i am irreparably damaged and aggrieved before i exercise those rights?
Tell me Peter – i would genuinely like to know?
should i also add “via legislation or the acts of Ministers of the crown…”
I am often these days put in mind of King John and the Magna Carta .. even the landowning capitalist privileged couldnt contain the innate corruption of power …
Hang on. You have the total RIGHT to express a private or public ‘opinion’ that Mr Key (or anyone else) is, in your view ‘corrupt’. But it’s unconvincing to do so anonymously and without offering evidence, in my opinion.
You said this:
… as if his [alleged] “chicanery and corrupt approach” were proven or established, unquestionable, a fact — which they are not. You offer no evidence beyond commentary.
And I have the right to say that I don’t necessarily agree with your claim and that I think you sound like a dick saying it anonymously.
Which I don’t and I do.
You are within your rights, and so am I, methinks.
It’s one thing to raise questions about and criticize a public figure’s handling of an issue, even to criticize their responses and explanations as implausible or worse … it’s another to (anonymously) defame them as ‘corrupt’ and a ‘liar’ — without evidence.
Fair comment?
regards, P
I was implying … by default .. that the evidence was offered (or proferred) in your very own post Peter.
Either that – or you will need to publish a screed of rules and regulations governing free speech … need i say more.
Are we in a court of law here – or a forum for expressed opinion. Are certain words or descriptors allowed or not … if the anonymous may not use such descriptors you should say so and said people will no longer use words not palatable to you.
If the rules are clear – then that is fine …
Fair question. The answer is the latter.
It’s close to open slather here, there’s very low moderation (censorship) as you know.
My comment was a reaction yours, and not a threat to ‘silence dissent’ … surely that’s OK?
– P
Of course its ok Pete.
I was just testing the limits i guess.
I am not used to you silencing dissent … and in this case felt you might be …
Bastard!!! (joking)
I have a very distinct dislike for Key and his Ministers … by default you could say i regard them as corrupt and self serving to the corporate world and all that implies.
Guess its all pre-ordained in a way
re the ‘corporate world’ … yeah, there’s an ideology thing going on.
Listen to this BBC doco … some people genuinely seem to think government is ‘the source of the problem’ and that cutting it is the best thing they can do. As I see it, the trouble is, that can come across as heartless dogma … or blind faith in ‘the free market’.
http://www.thepaepae.com/obama-and-romney-two-men-two-visions/26341/
Government in my limited view – is the most necessary thing in the world we now are forced to live in.
Cutting Governmental systems and structures and then relying on baser elements of human nature expressed as “the market” to determine our future is to me .. akin to spending all your lifes savings on a lotto ticket and trusting to the theory of probability to make you wealthy.
If you are wealthy and secure – you can afford those whimsical flights of ideological fancy … if you arent … you need Government to keep your environment fair and safe if you have limited resources to defend yourself against whims and exigencies … what the ideologues in that area end up doing … is skewing society largely toward corrupt actions in order to keep ones head above water .. which then (as with most closed systems) leads to more and increased calls for cuts to Government and punitive legislation against the growing underclass (anyone under $80K per annum salary level).
Or at least thats what i think.
I love good government … but here’s a pithy swipe that has relevance to Keys Govt and previous govts …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=gciegyiLYtY
enjoy …