Parliament's security guards have been told to hide in a back office to avoid giving the impression there are too many of them doing too little work, it was reported tonight.TV3 News said there had been a review of security and it had a leaked confidentia
Parliament's security guards have been told to hide in a back office to avoid giving the impression there are too many of them doing too little work, it was reported tonight.
TV3 News said there had been a review of security and it had a leaked confidential memos from Parliament's administrative bosses suggesting the plan to preserve jobs.
The first memo suggested the Beehive's main security entrance could operate with just one senior security officer and one security officer.
There are usually three security officers at the main entrance, and security management opposed the suggestion.
So the administration came up with a plan -- two of them should sit in an office adjoining the main entrance, and those on duty should not stand by the door talking to them.
It was suggested those sitting in the office use the time to study for their security level three certificates.
TV3 filmed officers sitting in the office and asked the general manager of Parliamentary Services, Geoff Thorn, what was going on.
He at first said it was about efficiency but then said the suggestion did not come from him.
"If we need to make some changes we will do that," Mr Thorn said.
"This didn't come from me. I will be reviewing this and looking at what changes we need to make."
The report quote security sources as saying the directive came from the top.
The Public Service Association (PSA), which represents the officers, said it was a simply a cosmetic change.
"In reality it will make things worse. It won't save any money and it won't make the place more secure," a PSA spokesman said.
