Former Foreign Affairs Ministry secretary Neil Walter will lead an investigation into the appointment of Stephen Wilce as head of the Defence Technology Agency (DTA).Mr Wilce resigned last week following a TV3 investigation alleging he had made extravagan
Former Foreign Affairs Ministry secretary Neil Walter will lead an investigation into the appointment of Stephen Wilce as head of the Defence Technology Agency (DTA).
Mr Wilce resigned last week following a TV3 investigation alleging he had made extravagant claims about his background, including that he had a distinguished combat career, when applying for the role in 2005.
Prime Minister John Key said the State Services Commission would look at how Mr Wilce was able to obtain top level security clearance required for such a role, and that Commissioner Iain Rennie had appointed Mr Walter, a former diplomat and secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, to head that investigation.
"The investigation will cover the vetting processes used by the SIS regarding the granting of a security clearance to Mr Wilce in 2005, and the adequacy of those processes.
"The investigation will also examine the adequacy of the current vetting system and whether it is fit for purpose, and whether or not there needs to be any recommendations made to strengthen the system."
Mr Key said the intention was for the investigation to be completed by September 27.
