The Curran scandal

It was revealed yesterday in Parliament that the Environment Ministry misled Parliament (technically the Minister did on their behalf) over the engagement of Clare Curran to do communications work on the recommendation of David Parker.

Here’s what NZPA reports as the true case:

• In 2005 Curran sought work with the Environment Ministry in the area of  climate change communications and public awareness.  She did not gain any work.
• Then in 2006 David Parker, the Climate Change Minister, recommended Curran to his officials.
• The Ministry lied about her winning the contract through a competitive tender.  She was given a $24,000 contract for five weeks work with no tender.
• Her contract was verbal, not written.
• They engaged her without permission to enter into a contract without a tender.

Now remember Curran got this uncontested contract around the same time she was writing a “highly political paper” about Labour’s use of language in its fight to win re-election.  And what is intended to be their main campaign issue – sustainability and climate change.

It is going to be fascinating to find out under the OIA, what Curran produced for her $24,000.  Not that Curran is to blame – she has every right to seek communications work from Government Departments.  The people to blame are David Parker and Hugh Logan.