20509 (2026). Camilla Belich to the Minister for the Public Service and Digitising Government

Written Question

Published date: 15 Jun 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	20509 (2026)
Question asked:	26 May 2026
Member asking:	Camilla Belich
Portfolio:	Minister for the Public Service and Digitising Government
Minister replying:	Hon Paul Goldsmith
Answer received:	08 Jun 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_20509_2026
Document guid:	68a9ca7c-5c7f-427a-abc3-36362313db84

20509 (2026). Camilla Belich to the Minister for the Public Service and Digitising Government: Does he agree with the statement in paragraph 3.89 of the Cabinet Manual 2023 that "authorised spokespeople for agencies may publicly explain government policy" but that "defending or justifying it is the Minister's role"; if so, does he consider that the Public Service Commission stayed within the agency role when paying to boost messages about bargaining and planned strike action between 18 and 22 October 2025?

Hon Paul Goldsmith: Yes, I agree with the Cabinet Manual statements. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on this while the review is underway.