Editorial: Cabinet looks a bit stale

A government embarking on a second term should not need a drastic Cabinet reshuffle. Since it has been operating well enough to win a second term there cannot be much in need of repair. That is one theory anyway. A different outlook would say that a thorough reshuffle is just what a good team needs to keep it fresh and alert and to spread the pool of collective experience. Helen Clark is obviously of the first view.

Her second ministry, announced yesterday, is hardly changed from her first. The Labour members of it are ranked in exactly the order they were previously and Jim Anderton has moved just one place down to number three, despite holding a lot fewer parliamentary cards than he did before.

Michael Cullen, who becomes Deputy Prime Minister today, retains the most important portfolio, finance. That suggests tight fiscal control is likely to continue even if worry remains over changes to the monetary assignment the Government will give the Reserve Bank.

The next strongest performer in the first term, Trevor Mallard, who appeared to be minister of everything at times, retains state services and education, giving hope that the Government means to resist pressure for a public sector wage blow-out. But Mr Mallard has a right to be miffed that he is not now ranked higher than eighth by the Prime Minister, as does Energy and Science Minister Pete Hodgson, ranked one place behind him.

Both appear to be much more effective than fourth- ranked Steve Maharey, who has done little more than talk about social services and employment, and has presided over a snail's pace review of tertiary education with dubious results. Mr Maharey is now also to be responsible for improving political correctness - or, rather, public service principles - in broadcasting, another slow-moving project during the first term.

The only significant change in the entire reshuffle is that involving the portfolios of transport and commerce. Aucklander Mark Gosche will hand over transport to Wellington's Paul Swain who, it must be hoped, is well disposed to private sector investment in more roading. Of more concern, the commerce portfolio is to pass from Mr Swain to Lianne Dalziel, who has not previously displayed a bent for the subject.

Ms Dalziel has been loaded with several new tasks in addition to senior citizens and immigration, recognition perhaps that she ensured the Tampa refugee resettlement did not rebound to the Government's embarrassment. She is now also to have associate roles in justice, where she will be responsible for the Law Commission, and education where she will look after special needs.

But with a load like that, it must be wondered whether commerce can continue to have the attention it received in the first term. This Government has introduced some substantial regulation of corporate and sharemarket activity and it is important that the consequences are closely monitored.

The loss of Mr Swain is the more surprising because he retains a number of responsibilities: information technology, small business, associate roles in finance, revenue and economic development, which fit naturally in the commerce portfolio. Among the new Cabinet members, John Tamihere looks under-employed with land information, statistics and youth affairs.

As always, it is a pity to see the Cabinet expanded unnecessarily. Besides filling the three seats vacated by the Alliance, the Prime Minister has found it necessary to appoint six ministers outside the Cabinet (one more than before) and two parliamentary under-secretaries.

It is a cumbersome and conservative reshuffle, an opportunity missed perhaps to refresh the Government while the good times last.

Full election coverage

Graphic: Seats in the 47th Parliament

Full election results

Election links:
The parties, policies, electoral information, and more