Gerry Brownlee MP National Party Deputy Leader

20 March 2006

Please explain on Parker's resignation

"Helen Clark must explain why it is acceptable for a Minister who has admitted 'cutting corners' on returns to the Companies Office to retain the critical transport and energy portfolios," says National Party Deputy Leader Gerry Brownlee.

He is commenting on the sudden resignation of Attorney General David Parker after allegations made today in Investigate Magazine.

"Mr Parker has admitted his actions were a mistake and asked to be treated the same as anyone else who has made a mistake. But the gravity of the breach is highlighted by the potential penalty of a $200,000 fine and up to five years in prison.

"Mr Parker has admitted multiple breaches of the law, one as recently as September 2005. While he may wish to describe it as a mistake, falsification of documents is very clearly a serious matter.

"We will watch with interest what action the Companies Office now opts to take for these apparent and repeated breaches.

"Ms Clark must also explain why it is okay for this Minister to retain control of transport and energy, when he has publicly confessed to breaking the law.

"Transport and energy don't need corners to be cut, they need strong, reliable leadership," says Mr Brownlee.

ENDS

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