7783 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister for the Environment

7783 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister for the Environment: Have any of the ministries, agencies, and/or departments for which the Minister is responsible conducted or commissioned reviews or audits of their redundancy and reappointment processes since 27 November 2023, if so, when were these completed, and what were the key findings or recommendations?

Hon Penny Simmonds: The Ministry for the Environment (the Ministry) did a review in May 2024 while developing the voluntary redundancy process, including the use of stand down periods. Through this, the Ministry reviewed the clause of section 88 1.a.i of the Public Service Act when interpreting begins before, on, or immediately after the date on which the employee’s current position ends. This prompted a request for the Public Service Commission (PSC) to provide clarity for all agencies, given that many were running, or about to run voluntary redundancy and change processes, and staff were actively seeking employment with other public sector agencies. The PSC said they didn't feel it was within their remit to provide such advice other than to ensure each agency highlighted section 88 in redundancy offers. The Ministry implemented a process whereby we would not re-employ within 12 months after redundancy (voluntary or forced). The Environmental Protection Authority has not conducted or commissioned any reviews or audits of its redundancy and reappointment process.