Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche has today announced he will investigate integrity concerns surrounding the failure of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE) $33 million Biometric Capability Update (BCU) project.
“The integrity matters highlighted by the report are serious and concerning,” Sir Brian said in a statement.
“They go to the core of the behaviours and ethics required of public servants, and the ability of Ministers to have confidence in the advice they receive from officials.”
Sir Brian confirmed he will appoint an independent investigator to inquire into the integrity matters raised in the report and recommend any actions required in response.
“At Minister Stanford’s request, I will also look into the broader Our Future Services immigration transformation programme to provide assurance that the advice the Minister has received is accurate and can be relied upon,” he said.
MBIE Chief Executive, Nic Blakeley said he welcomed news of the investigation.
Mr Blakeley said it was unacceptable that the project failed to deliver anything since it began in November 2018.
“We have fallen short of the Government and public’s expectations,” he said.
“It is integral that the public can have confidence in MBIE and our ability to deliver significant projects like BCU. I am committed to addressing the findings of the review to strengthen MBIE’s ability to deliver in future.”
An independent review strongly criticised MBIE for being overly optimistic about delivery, the lack of appropriate governance processes and ignoring advice from quality assurance reviews and staff that questioned the viability of the project.
“I am fully supportive of the Public Service Commission looking further into the very concerning issues raised in the report, especially those related to integrity of advice and financial management,” Mr Blakeley says.
Following the Public Service Commission’s investigation, MBIE will investigate any employment matters relating to the BCU Project.
Mr Blakeley said MBIE was already undertaking a number of actions, including a stocktake of all major technology projects, strengthening MBIE’s technology project systems and processes, and seeking independent assurance that they are appropriate and best practice.
