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"I call for opposition and backbench MPs' expenses to be covered by the Official Information Act, so their expenses are as transparent as Ministers' spending."

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Dear Committee Members,

This is a submission on the Parliament Bill.

New Zealand prides itself on being a transparent democracy. But until spending by Members of Parliament is treated no different to Ministerial expenses we are nothing of the sort.

I submit that the carve-out from the Official Information Act applicable to Parliament and MP's spending should be abolished.

This Bill is about “modernising” Parliament’s operations. I urge you to apply to MPs what you expect from almost every other part of Government: transparency of how taxpayers’ money is spent.

Around the world, MPs expense scandals have killed public trust in politicians. It’s only a matter of time until New Zealand faces the same. That's why we need the sunshine of transparency right now.

Unless you are an MP with something to hide, you have nothing to fear. Ministerial expenses are already covered by the Official Information Act – why should backbenchers, opposition MPs, and party leaders be any different?

Just recently, MÄori Party Co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer blew $39,000 on international air travel in just three months. We only know that Ms Ngarewa-Packer was in Hawaii thanks to social media posts. We have no idea what her “work” schedule was while there.

Chris Hipkins took his partner to Europe during the recent Parliamentary recess. He says, she paid for the flights. But without transparency it’s impossible to know whether taxpayers footed the bill in other ways.

And unlike for Ministers, we can’t know what these “work trip” costs taxpayers are covering.

Whenever MPs are pressed for answers, taxpayers are told it’s none of our business.

If any other public servant refused such transparency—there would be outrage. Why should Members of Parliament enjoy a different standard?

The original “Danks” Committee on Official Information (which led to the Official Information Act in the first place) and, more recently, the Law Commission, have made very clear that the Parliamentary Service should be included within freedom of information laws. It’s time for Parliament to listen.

New Zealand deserves a Parliament transparent and accountable to the people. I ask the Committee to take this opportunity to build a truly modern, transparent democracy: expand the Official Information Act to include all financial matters pertaining to the Parliamentary Service, Members, and their offices’ spending, to ensure transparency of taxpayer dollars.
Thank you for the opportunity to submit.

Dear Committee Members, This is a submission on the Parliament Bill. New Zealand prides itselve on being a transparent democracy. But until spending by Members of Parliament is treated no different to Ministerial expenses we are nothing of the sort. I submit that the carve-out from the Official Information Act applicable to Parliament and MP's spending should be abolished. This Bill is about “modernising” Parliament’s operations. I urge you to apply to MPs what you expect from almost every other part of Government: transparency of how taxpayers’ money is spent.
Around the world, MPs expense scandals have killed public trust in politicians. It’s only a matter of time until New Zealand faces the same. That's why we need the sunshine of transpency right now. Unless you are an MP with something to hide, you have nothing to fear. Ministerial expenses are already covered by the Official Information Act – why should backbenchers, opposition MPs, and party leaders be any different? Just recently, MÄori Party Co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer blew $39,000 on international air travel in just three months. We only know that Ms Ngarewa-Packer was in Hawaii thanks to social media posts. We have no idea what her “work” schedule was while there. Chris Hipkins took his partner to Europe during the recent Parliamentary recess. He says, she paid for the fights. But without transparency it’s impossible to know whether taxpayers footed the bill in other ways. And unlike for Ministers, we can’t know what these “work trip” costs taxpayers are covering. Whenever MPs are pressed for answers, taxpayers are told it’s none of our business. If any other public servant refused such transparency—there would be outrage. Why should Members of Parliament enjoy a different standard?
The original “Danks” Committee on Official Information (which led to the Official Information Act in the first place) and, more recently, the Law Commission, have made very clear that the Parliamentary Service should be included within freedom of information laws. It’s time for Parliament to listen. New Zealand deserves a Parliament transparent and accountable to the people. I ask the Committee to take this opportunity to build a truly modern, transparent democracy: expand the Official Information Act to include all financial matters pertaining to the Parliamentary Service, Members, and their offices’ spending, to ensure transparency of taxpayer dollars. Thank you for the opportunity to submit.>

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OPEN THE 
BOOKS!

Lift the Lid on how MPs are 
spending taxpayer money

Around the world, MPs expense scandals have killed public trust in politicians. We need to Open the Books on MPs expenses to prevent the same in New Zealand.

Sign the petition here

OPEN THE BOOKS!

Lift the Lid on how MPs are spending taxpayer money

Around the world, MPs expense scandals have killed public trust in politicians. We need to Open the Books on MPs expenses to prevent the same in New Zealand.

Sign the petition here

OPEN THE 
BOOKS!

Lift the Lid on how MPs are 
spending taxpayer money

Around the world, MPs expense scandals have killed public trust in politicians. We need to Open the Books on MPs expenses to prevent the same in New Zealand.