Is Armstrong’s Defence Costing Taxpayers?

The National Party wants to know if TVNZ resources are being spent defending the besieged chairman of the taxpayer-owned network.

National’s Acting Broadcasting spokesman Murray McCully says Ross Armstrong’s spent the weekend in damage control after his apparent gaffe over public private partnerships - employing the advice of TVNZ media guru Richard Griffin.

And until late yesterday Dr Armstrong was looking to hold a media conference at TVNZ, using its facilities.

“Why is it that TVNZ resources appear to be at the beck and call of the troubled chair, when this issue has nothing to do with the television business,” says Mr McCully.

“It’s pretty obvious Dr Armstrong needs the advice, but are we as taxpayers - through TVNZ - picking up the tab?”

“For years Dr Armstrong has treated the SOE’s he chairs has his personal fiefdoms.

“I ask the Minister responsible for SOE’s to ensure the rules are being followed,” concludes Mr McCully.

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