Press scrutiny alone not effective sanction

Press, 8 March 1988, Page 17

Press scrutiny alone not effective sanction

PA i Wellington Press scrutiny alone would not be an effective sanction against possible politicisation of the Public Service, journalists say. Writing in the first issue of “Service,” a new magazine ■ published by the State 11 Services Commission, the chairman of the commission,, Mr Don Hunn; said press scrutiny would, be one factor preventing political appointments. Referring i to fears that the new procedures in the State Sector Bill could

lead to political appointments, Mr Hunn said, I “The press could ibe counted on to deal iseverely with any old boy or old girl appointments.” . But the secretary of the I New Zealand Journalists’ Union, Mr Tony Wilton, said he did not see the power of the press as an effective sanction against I the politicisation of the Public Service. It had always been the role of the press to mdni- ■ tor and report on the ! activities of Government

and other elected representatives.

“I hope the press will always do that. But it is one thing to report on what is going on; for the public to apply sanctions is something else.”

Mr Wilton said it was futile to hope the public would vote against any political party solely on the issue of political appointments.

“Sure, the press will do its part in the equation but the rest of the equation is not viable.”