National blocks review of MPs expenses

The National Party today blocked a motion in Parliament to set up an independent review of MPs expenses and entitlements.

Green Party Co-Leader Metiria Turei put a motion before Parliament:

That the members of this House, recognising that the public are entitled to an open and transparent democratic system in which they can have confidence, call on Mr Speaker to establish an independent review of all expenses and allowances for current and former members and their spouses and partners and further, that all such expenses and allowances should be determined and administered independently of members of Parliament.

There was no opportunity to debate the motion as the National Party blocked discussion, despite John Key saying this week that the system needs to change.

“It is very disappointing that John Key’s National Party has chosen to block our call for Parliament to ask for an independent review of MPs’ expenses. It is time for all the parties to take action to help keep New Zealand politics honest,” said Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei.

“The current system isn’t working and it is undermining public confidence in Parliament.

“The public deserve a system that is simple, clear and fair. Our proposal is that an independent body be set up and asked to develop system that promotes transparency and clearly separates remuneration and legitimate work expenses.

“We have consistently called for an independent overhaul of the whole system so that the public can have confidence in it. It is time for the National Party to stop blocking progress on this issue,” said Mrs Turei.