54203 (2024). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Regulation

54203 (2024). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Regulation: How much, if any, has been spent so far on contractors for the Ministry for Regulation?

Hon David Seymour: The Ministry for Regulation was established only 6 months ago – it takes time and resource to establish a ministry. In fact, until 8 May the Ministry was without its own payroll services and only able take on staff as contractors or secondees. Consequently, the Ministry has required a mix of seconded, fixed-term staff and contractors to carry out its establishment activities and begin the ambitious programme of work I have asked of it, including initiating and carrying out two regulatory reviews. Officials advise that, as at 4 September 2024, the Ministry has spent $410,150 on contractors. This includes individuals contracted directly or through a recruitment company. Now that a permanent structure has been finalised, recruitment is underway to fill the positions in its permanent structure. When the Ministry is appropriately resourced through its permanent workforce, I expect the proportion of the Ministry’s budget spent on contractors will decrease.