Does he agree with the statement in paragraph 3.89 of the Cabinet Manual 2023 that "authorised spokespeople for agencies may publicly explain government policy" but that "defending or justifying it is the Minister's role"; if so, does he consider that the Public Service Commission stayed within the agency role when paying to boost messages about bargaining and planned strike action between 18 and 22 October 2025?

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

• Does he agree with the statement in paragraph 3.89 of the Cabinet Manual 2023 that "authorised spokespeople for agencies may publicly explain government policy" but that "defending or justifying it is the Minister's role"; if so, does he consider that the Public Service Commission stayed within the agency role when paying to boost messages about bargaining and planned strike action between 18 and 22 October 2025?