Phil Goff
An axe hangs over 305 jobs - including 63 policy
positions - at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The announcement was made at a press conference today by MFAT
chief executive John Allen, who stressed that the reforms
were a proposal and "not a done deal", and staff had a month
to provide feedback.
Labour's foreign affairs spokesperson Phil Goff leaked the
numbers before this afternoon's press conference, saying that
a loss of a quarter of the ministry's positions would
undermine its ability to perform its core diplomatic
functions.
Mr Allen confirmed the proposal was to have fewer diplomats
and fewer policy staff, including 169 fewer ministry staff in
New Zealand and overseas, and 136 positions for
locally-engaged staff, including Human Resources, Information
Technology and property-management.
About 600 staff would have to reapply for jobs.
The proposals include a "hubbed" approach to diplomacy in
Europe, with two diplomats based in Brussels and Berlin,
rather than one in every capital.
Embassies in Warsaw and Stockholm are being considered for
closure.
The Maori Policy Unit would be cut under the proposals.
Among other proposed changes was to boost Wellington salaries
and cut overseas allowances, including the 20 percent
increase for a partner and the 7 percent increase for each
child.
Mr Allen said a 24-hour counsellor hotline could make the
ministry more efficient.
A final decision on the proposals, which are expected to save
between $20m and $25m a year, is due on April 10.
- Derek Cheng
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