52179 (2024). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister responsible for the GCSB

52179 (2024). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister responsible for the GCSB: What advice, if any, has the Minister received on the impact of public service cuts, if any, within their department, if any?

Hon Judith Collins: The GCSB was asked to identify savings of a particular dollar amount through the Budget 2024 process. It was not set targets in terms of FTE reductions or achieving particular FTE levels. As Minister Responsible for the GCSB and NZSIS, I received the following joint items of written advice from the GCSB and NZSIS regarding Budget 2024 savings options: • Budget 2024 savings options for GCSB and NZSIS (26 January 2024), and • Budget 2024 savings proposals for GCSB and NZSIS for submission (13 February 2024). I note my response to WPQ 41112 outlined savings that the agency is making. Beyond this, I understand the GCSB continue to reflect on the structure of its staff and adapt as appropriate. The GCSB and the NZSIS are undertaking a joint work programme to ensure financial sustainability in the longer term. This is separate from the efficiency savings sought by Ministers. Decisions are yet to be made. It is not in the public interest for me to provide detailed information around staffing levels for our security and intelligence agencies.