By Chris Whitworth
Defence Minister Wayne Mapp says an increase in background checks isn’t the only lesson to be learnt from the Stephen Wilce fiasco.
The Court of Inquiry released findings yesterday on the shamed former chief defence scientist, outlining detailed accounts of his fabricated past as well as criticising the recruitment agency - Momentum Consulting – that recommended him.
But Mr Mapp says a lack of means for staff to voice concerns within the Defence Force also contributed to Mr Wilce’s five-year deception.
RadioLIVE takes a satirical look at the Adventures of Stephen Wilce.
“I think more of the problem actually arose after he got the job to be honest, because the claims he was making were completely destroying his credibility within the organisation, and were frankly causing an embarrassment internationally,” he told RadioLIVE this morning.
“There was no proper mechanism for those concerns to be heard, which is why the Court of Inquiry recommended a whistleblower number.”
An 0800 line is to be setup within the Defence Force to allow staff to voice concerns in the future.
Mr Mapp says the phone line will be confidential and ensure there is no “blow back” for staff who speak out.
The Defence Force will continue to use recruitment agencies, but thorough reference checking will now be common practice.
“There will be no assumptions made, i’s will be dotted, t’s crossed, it will be absolutely clear for senior appointments that references have been properly checked,” says Mr Mapp.
Among Wilce’s exaggerations on his CV were: that he was a member of an Olympic bobsleigh team, was an experienced helicopter pilot and had a distinguished military career.
A 60 Minutes investigation outed Wilce last month, he resigned from his position a day later.
News of Wilce’s extensive – and at times ridiculous – CV lies quickly spread around the world, leaving the Defence Force and the Government red in the face.
Mr Mapp says the Defence Force has learnt from the experience and can see the lighter side of the incident.
“It’s obviously embarrassing but there is a humorous element to it as well.”
“Interesting enough in the report Wilce himself actually admits he’s a fantasist. ‘I’m prone to exaggeration’ [Wilce said] – well that’s an understatement I guess.”
He says New Zealand is not alone in embarrassing mishaps involving defence organisations – citing the recent spy drama unfolding in Russia.
In the long run, Mr Mapp says the incident has helped improve Defence Force scrutiny. .
“One of things it has done is empowered people within those organisations to essentially use protective disclosures.”
3 News