State sector legislation passed

Parliament has passed legislation which amalgamates the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology and the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology into the new Ministry of Science and Innovation.

It also amalgamates the National Library and Archives New Zealand into the Department of Internal Affairs.

The State Sector Management Bill was passed under urgency today. State Services Minister Tony Ryall said the changes were part of the Government's drive to ensure the sector was organised to deliver improved services within existing budgets, and reduce costs once the transitions were embedded.

"In the case of the Ministry of Science and Innovation, this will mean a single strategic direction with more clarity and reduced transaction costs across the research, science and technology sector," he said.

- NZPA