Grant Robertson

John Key must assure all New Zealanders that his major restructuring of government departments will not affect the quality of services, Labour's State Services spokesperson Grant Robertson said today.

"The mergers proposed by National have the potential to extremely disruptive for the departments involved which may have an impact on their ability to perform their core functions," Grant Robertson said.

"There is always room for more efficiency, but with the scale of changes being proposed, we need to be careful departments maintain a focus on their role.

"The Food Safety Authority (FSA) may be a small department but it plays a vital role. Reports suggest it will be re-merged into the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry which we know is already stretched for resources.

"If the FSAs role becomes expanded or its resources diverted its calls into to question the safety of our food supply.

"John Key himself in 2008 warned that: 'Few problems are solved by significant reorganisations - in fact, many more tend to be created'.

"I have to agree with the Prime Minister. Efficiencies don't come from major upheaval. They come from getting alongside public servants and supporting them to do their jobs better."

Grant Robertson says the Government's plans are a breach of the promise John Key made in 2008 that National would not undertake any radical reorganisation of the public service.

"Despite what some may say this is a significant reorganisation. Instead of bulldozing its way through these changes, the Government should take time to consult with Kiwis who rely on these public services," Grant Robertson said.

"Around 80 per cent of the food we produce is exported. So it might be a good idea for National to consult with exporters who rely on the services of the FSA to ensure their produce is safe for our export markets.

"National claims its intention is improve frontline services. But its thirst to slash and merge risks having the opposite effect."