SIS/GCSB merger
Staff from a radio station have found notes handwritten by a senior government servant suggesting a merger of New Zealand’s two state intelligence services.
Radio New Zealand reported finding the notes on the street, with the merger one of three options to be considered in a review of the sector.
The State Services Commission confirmed former Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Simon Murdoch, was to consider ways for the security services to work more effectively.
I doubt the services will be impressed by such notes being left lying about.
Not sure what the pros and cons of merging the SIS and GCSB would be. The SIS have greater protection under the law. It is illegal to name any staff member except the Director. The GCSB does not have the same protection.
The review might extend beyond the SIS and GCSB of course. There is also the External Assessments Bureau in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the co-ordinating role of DPMC’s Domestic and External Security Group.