26285 (2023). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister for the Public Service

26285 (2023). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister for the Public Service: Has the Minister Instructed their public service Chief Executives to begin reducing consultant and contractor expenditure, and to report on current spending within 100 days, and if so on what date did they make this instruction?

Hon Nicola Willis: As Minister for the Public Service, I am confident that public service Chief Executives and Boards have no doubt about this government’s expectation that spending on contractors and consultants is reduced. This will be reinforced by expectations set for Chief Executives by the Public Service Commissioner, expectations set by Ministers for Crown Entity Boards Chairs and through the Budget 2024 process and guidance. I have received information on contractors and consultant spending for Departments and will receive information on Crown Entity spending on contractors and consultants shortly.