The State Services Commissioner, Iain Rennie, today announced that Paula Rebstock, former Chair of the Commerce Commission and a chair on a number of government reviews and panels, has been appointed to lead an investigation into the leak last week of up to three Cabinet papers relating to restructuring plans at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).
The Cabinet papers were provided in confidence to senior officials at MFAT, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the State Services Commission and Treasury.
Mr Rennie, through his authority as State Services Commissioner, can exercise powers of inquiry under the State Sector Act that address the broader scope required for this investigation.
John Allen, the Chief Executive of MFAT, fully supports the investigation and the appointment of an external reviewer.
Mr Rennie said he has asked for the investigation to be completed promptly, and that the findings will be made public as soon as possible.
ENDS.
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