April 24, 2024
Portfolios too complex for Ministers says PM Luxon
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says both the Media and Disabilities portfolios have become complex and challenging requiring more senior and experienced Ministers to oversee them.
Both Melissa Lee and Penny Simmonds were relieved of Media and Communications, and Disability Issues respectively. Lee was dealt a secondary blow by being moved outside of Cabinet.
The Prime Minister says he’d spoken with the two Ministers over the last few weeks and months.
“I’ve assessed that actually, in both these cases the agenda has moved on, got much more complex, and we need more senior representation.” says PM Luxon.
Lee has been criticized for her inaction over the closing of Newshub news and current affairs as well as job cuts at the state broadcaster TVNZ.
Penny Simmonds had earlier called her own Ministry-Whaikaha, the Ministry for Disabled People inadequate in conveying changes to disabled people’s funding cuts. She later apologized to the Whaikaha community.
Peter Goldsmith the Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage as well as Treaty Negotiations takes over Media and Communications. Louise Upston takes over Disability Issues.