Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman has called a damning report
on Defence Force cuts "old news" and claims the Force was
already moving on.
Auditor-General Lyn Provost found that a New Zealand Defence
Force (NZDF) cost-cutting project had made some savings, but
would not meet its targets.
Furthermore, the process had been done in such a damaging way
that staff morale had been dented, large numbers had left as
a result, and the Force's ability to do its job had been
undermined.
Mr Coleman responded to the report yesterday: "In retrospect
things could have done better, but overall I wouldn't agree
that this process has been a failure."
He said staff morale had since climbed again, and the savings
had made it possible to fund new helicopters and other
capabilities.
The minister also said the findings in the report were "old"
and that the Auditor-General had made no recommendations.
"There is nothing new in this report. The NZDF is largely
moving on from this."
The Government asked the NZDF in September 2010 to find $400
million in savings over four years.
Part of the NZDF's response was to convert 1400 logistics and
administration positions into civilian positions.
This was expected to save $20.5 million a year which would be
redistributed to improve the proportion of front-line troops.
The Auditor-General said that this target would not be met
and revised the expected savings to $14.2 million a year.
- Isaac Davison
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