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Did the then Public Service Commissioner issue an email or communication to agencies or departments or ministries directing them to withdraw election material from agency or departments or ministries in 2020?

Answered Question 33870 (2026)
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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • Did the then Public Service Commissioner issue an email or communication to agencies or departments or ministries directing them to withdraw election material from agency or departments or ministries in 2020?

Answered by

Hon Paul Goldsmith

List MP · National Party · Minister for the Public Service and Digitising Government

Answer

No. However, I am advised that the general election guidance issued by the Public Service Commission (the Commission) has always been clear on this point. In 2020, the Commission’s guidance was updated to state: “Agencies must take care to ensure that any material hosted on agency’s premises is not classified as election advertising under the Electoral Act.” This relates to any non-agency material in public service workplaces.