Disclosure of MP expenses welcome

With MPs’ expenses now public the next step is to look at how costs to the taxpayer can be kept at a reasonable level, said Green Party Co-Leader Metiria Turei today.

The Speaker and Parliamentary Services announced today the quarterly release of expenses for Ministerial Services, Parliamentary Services and the Office of the Clerk. The first release covers the period 1 Jan to 30 June. The new system captures the total amount that MPs spend on accommodation and travel and follows the example set by the Green Party which released a summary of MP expenses in June.

“The Green Party is pleased to have inspired the Parliament’s move to make MPs’ travel and accommodation expenses public,” Mrs Turei said.

“The next step is to look at practical and technological means for controlling costs while enabling MPs to remain free to do their jobs. As an example, we’ll talk with Parliamentary Services about whether we can expand video conferencing to reduce the need for travel.

“At the same time the public’s right to access their representatives needs protection. Having MPs available to meet with the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand is a core and highly valued part of our democracy,” said Mrs Turei.

“This system announced by the Speaker today is definitely an improvement. We are keen to see how it goes and what options may exist to improve it, control costs and protect our democracy.

“It is great to see that the other political parties have agreed to follow the Greens’ lead and introduced regular disclosure of MPs’ expenses.”

A full schedule of expenses claimed by members of Parliament is available on http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/MPP/MPs/Expenses and for Ministers http://www.dia.govt.nz/press.nsf/index