Reports the Government is considering slashing ministries which represent key demographics are concerning.

RNZ reported today that the Public Service Commission is reviewing the roles of Ministries for Women, Disabled People and Pacific People.

“Demographic ministries represent groups that are often statistically disadvantaged, and face discrimination compared to the rest of the population. They should not be diminished,” Labour public service spokesperson Camilla Belich said.

“The Government has already made thousands of workers redundant, cutting their way deeper in to a recession, stripping public services of frontline staff needed to deliver for New Zealand.

“The ministries have effectively advised governments of all stripes for over 30 years, disestablishing these ministries would take NZ backwards and make the provision of public services worse.

“David Seymour continues to campaign on outdated rhetoric that divides people, and abolishing the representation of minorities in Government has long been his prerogative.

“The Prime Minister is letting David Seymour’s ideology run rings around him. He has lost control of his Government, and out of touch with New Zealand.

“Christopher Luxon needs to needs to show leadership, everything he is doing is making things worse,” Camilla Belich said.