Annette King

The Government's announcement it is giving a job to former Work and Income big spender Christine Rankin at the same time as it lays off 200 staff at the agency sends a very bad signal, says Labour's Social Development spokesperson Annette King.

"It will be nothing more than a slap in the face for those workers who are to lose their jobs as the result of a so-called "value for money" exercise to hear than the woman who created a culture of extravagance at the ministry is back on the public payroll at the Families Commission.

"Social Development Minister Paula Bennett should be ashamed.

"The decision is extraordinary. The only explanation possible is that this is political payback for Christine Rankin running political interference for the National Party with groups such as the Destiny Church and Family First.

"She is not a suitable appointment for many reasons. She is a divisive figure who has made injudicious comments about other New Zealanders, including the previous Children's Commissioner," Annette Kings says.

"What also makes it totally inappropriate is the culture of extravagance she created at Work and Income, which was widely condemned by New Zealanders.

"During that time Christine Rankin spent nearly a quarter of a million dollars on hiring private planes and high-end conference venues and spent $25,000 on self promotional videos, including one featuring herself alongside Martin Luther King and Gandhi. Then there was the $1m on re-branding and logos and the $80,000 on road-shows. The list goes on.

"It's interested that Paula Bennett claims United Future leader Peter Dunne was consulted - as given his statements about the appointment his views obviously went unheeded. So much for the strong partnership National has with its confidence and supply partners," says Annette King.

"It's clear this is not what Mr Dunne had in mind when he signed an agreement with National ensuring the two parties would maintain the advocacy role of the Families Commission.

"He should be worried. National said they would get rid of the commission and it now looks like they've brought in Christine Rankin to bring it to its knees."