The list of former National Party Ministers being given plum and important roles got longer this week with the appointment of former Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett as the chair of Pharmac. The Christopher Luxon-led Government has now made key appointments to Bill English, Simon Bridges, Steven Joyce, Roger Sowry, and Maurice Williamson.
The ODT comment that; 'Bennett has “high standards”, she will be the right person to bring about “culture change” in an organisation that has lost public confidence due to its operating style'. Must be the laugh of the century. Bennett is demonstrably a person who is unashamedly true blue through and through, her actions and behaviors whilst a minister for social welfare were at best dubious and often scandalous, breaking confidentiality amongst other excesses. Am I surprised Seymour has appointed such a partisan candidate? Absolutely not! Do I believe she will serve the interests of Kiwis in their medicinal requirements? Absolutely not! Do I think she will be Seymours poodle in doing his bidding? Absolutely!
The role of Pharmac is to stand away from political interference and make highly technical decisions based on highly skilled advisors. It requires and intellect and objectivity which I haven't ever seen Paula Bennett demonstrate. If people have not read the book "The secret history of the Sackler dynasty, EMPIRE
sorry pressed the wrong button. "EMPIRE OF PAIN" by Patrick Keefe. This lays out clearly the evil way the big pharma operates. Could the fundraiser for the National Party withstand the sort of pressure big pharma applies................
I'm not a fan of this appointment and as soon as I saw it on the news I said "cronyism"
Paula may be an intelligent person and a good navigator of politics but does she really possess the skills to lead Pharmac? Wasn't she also a real estate agent recently. Politicians and real estate people are two of the lowest trusted vocations out there so it doesn't inspire me to think differently.
I am with you Jarrod. Most of us in this life work really hard to do one job really well.........she is going to continue with the real estate job as well as Pharmac.
I guess it boggles my mind also how Ministers can have more than one portfolio and do it well...........and then do one well when they have no history or prequals for a particular portfolio even. Cases in point...The Arts and Culture Minister, Erica Stanford................it seems like the public service must do all the mahi...............hope that comes back and kicks these guys in their butts. And all the talent goes offshore. I guess thats a positive for fat cat Shane Jones......he has eaten a lot of seafood. I noticed the broadbill on his bookshelf as he said nothing on the news tonight. Wonder if this is his main job?
Yes, Maharey's appointment was highly questionable too. But I agree with Michael Reddell's quote in my piece, that Bennett's appointment is so much worse than Maharey's especially because she's actively partisan and raising millions of dollars for the party in government.
The ODT comment that; 'Bennett has “high standards”, she will be the right person to bring about “culture change” in an organisation that has lost public confidence due to its operating style'. Must be the laugh of the century. Bennett is demonstrably a person who is unashamedly true blue through and through, her actions and behaviors whilst a minister for social welfare were at best dubious and often scandalous, breaking confidentiality amongst other excesses. Am I surprised Seymour has appointed such a partisan candidate? Absolutely not! Do I believe she will serve the interests of Kiwis in their medicinal requirements? Absolutely not! Do I think she will be Seymours poodle in doing his bidding? Absolutely!
The role of Pharmac is to stand away from political interference and make highly technical decisions based on highly skilled advisors. It requires and intellect and objectivity which I haven't ever seen Paula Bennett demonstrate. If people have not read the book "The secret history of the Sackler dynasty, EMPIRE
sorry pressed the wrong button. "EMPIRE OF PAIN" by Patrick Keefe. This lays out clearly the evil way the big pharma operates. Could the fundraiser for the National Party withstand the sort of pressure big pharma applies................
Couldn’t have said it better myself!
A very thought provoking discussion! Not sure I can agree with Paula Bennett appointment!! A step too far in my view!!
I'm not a fan of this appointment and as soon as I saw it on the news I said "cronyism"
Paula may be an intelligent person and a good navigator of politics but does she really possess the skills to lead Pharmac? Wasn't she also a real estate agent recently. Politicians and real estate people are two of the lowest trusted vocations out there so it doesn't inspire me to think differently.
I am with you Jarrod. Most of us in this life work really hard to do one job really well.........she is going to continue with the real estate job as well as Pharmac.
I guess it boggles my mind also how Ministers can have more than one portfolio and do it well...........and then do one well when they have no history or prequals for a particular portfolio even. Cases in point...The Arts and Culture Minister, Erica Stanford................it seems like the public service must do all the mahi...............hope that comes back and kicks these guys in their butts. And all the talent goes offshore. I guess thats a positive for fat cat Shane Jones......he has eaten a lot of seafood. I noticed the broadbill on his bookshelf as he said nothing on the news tonight. Wonder if this is his main job?
Bryce
Cronyism? No more so than Steve Maharey's appointment whom, as I recall, she is replacing.
Yes, Maharey's appointment was highly questionable too. But I agree with Michael Reddell's quote in my piece, that Bennett's appointment is so much worse than Maharey's especially because she's actively partisan and raising millions of dollars for the party in government.