The new ministry will absorb the functions of the Ministry of Economic Development, the Department of Labour, the Ministry of Science and Innovation, and the Department of Building and Housing. The Technology and Communications portfolio has responsibility for communications, fast broadband, cyber security, postal services, radio spectrum and e-government.
Subject to due diligence being completed for a report back to Cabinet in April, the new ministry will come into being on 1 July with the current departments forming its initial functional business units.
Economic development minister, Steven Joyce, said: "If we want more and better jobs for New Zealanders we need to encourage more businesses to be based here. That means making it easier for businesses and companies to access innovative ideas, markets, capital, skilled workers, resources, and the supporting public infrastructure...The new Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment will also ensure we have clear, co-ordinated and focused government policy leadership with a commitment to economic growth and innovation."
He added: "The new Ministry will reduce the complexity involved in working between agencies, and between agencies and business. At present when businesses engage with government they work with multiple government agencies, which takes away valuable time, as well as incurring unnecessary duplication of effort. This is time that could better be served in allowing companies to work on their businesses rather than on their government relations.
"A more efficient and effective ministry focused on lifting overall productivity and supporting the growth of competitive businesses is a crucial element in creating more jobs and higher wages, and boosting our standard of living."
The initial transition by 1 July 2012 will involve putting in place the framework for the start-up of the new ministry, including an acting chief executive and second tier arrangements.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Stuart Corner
Quelle/Source: iTWire, 15.03.2012
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