
Former Cabinet Minister, Kiri Allan's new consulting job has been branded a "problem" by a political expert, who has questioned her profiting off privileged Government information networks.聽
Allan's new vocation was revealed earlier this week when she launched the website of her new consultancy business, only months after leaving her Cabinet role due to a controversial car crash in Wellington.聽
The former Minister of Justice mentions on her website her parliamentary track record for "finding solutions to some of the most complex situations".聽
It also describes her as a "clear analytical and strategic thinker" and promises to expand businesses where possible.聽
But it's a new role that's ruffled the feathers of Victoria University political commentator, Bryce Edwards who told Heather Du-Plessis Allan Drive he believes there's a lack of ethical transition from a public servant role to running a business and profiting from the benefits of Allan's previous job.聽
Edwards pointed to the fact she was Minister of Justice when Kris Faafoi left the Beehive last year and began a lobbying group, Dialogue22 which he said forced the Government into discussing reforms.聽
"Now, [Allan] might become one that is a case study in how not to do it," said Edwards.聽
"I think it's a problem, it's not illegal - in other countries it would be - but there's normally meant to be a firewall between public office and being a lobbyist for a business. Those things are supposed to be quite separate."
The political expert said there have been examples across the world of lobbyists growing in power by being used to get businesses special deals from the Government.聽
"There needs to be rules to stop politicians going from one camp to another, from the Beehive into another consultancy business and taking all those networks and insider knowledge and leveraging it for those business interests."
Edwards was pushed on the argument that politicians need to earn a living once they retire from politics.聽
He "absolutely agreed" with the notion, suggesting they usually move into professions like real estate, teaching and practising law.
However, he believed Allan's approach to earning income through leveraging her potentially privileged information and Government connections was a step too far.聽
"On her website, she's talking about being a cabinet minister and her extensive networks from the Government and so forth, that's her marketing pitch," said Edwards.聽
"She wants to make money out of her public service."
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