Civil Defence to get more money

Press, 27 May 1985, Page 8

Civil Defence to get more money

PA Wellington The troubled Civil Defence organisaton will get more monev this year. The Minister of Civil Defence. Mr Tapsell, said on Friday that there would be an increase in allocation over the $1.2 million provided for running expenses last financial vear. Mr Tapsell said the allocation could be announced before the Budget, but this would depend on the appointment of a replacement for the director, Mr Wira Gardiner, who will leave in August. The Minister said that last year’s allocation outside grants amounted to $1.2 million for things such as personnel and travel. Civil Defence received an additional $2.3 million because of the Southland floods. Some allowance would be made for the Tauranga floods this year, Mr Tapsell said. While there would be an

increase in allocation, the Minister warned there would never be enough Government funds to “build the empire some people might like to have.” Mr Tapsell said that, like Mr Gardiner, he would like to see Civil Defence get more money, more staff, and a better organised staff. He said he strenuously put before the Cabinet proposals for every sector of his vote. Every sector of Civil Defence wanted things done "today” and funding immediately. However, the Government would make careful decisions regarding allocations. Mr Tapsell revealed there had been “several good applications” for the position of director and there would be no difficulty in filling the post. The position would be advertised “very soon” and a new director would be installed before Mr Gardiner left in August.