John Key MP
National Party Finance Spokesman
5 April 2006

Privileges Committee findings welcomed

National Finance spokesman John Key has welcomed the finding by Parliament’s Privileges Committee that the TVNZ board committed a contempt of Parliament.

The committee has recommended to Parliament that the board be fined $1000 and that it be required to write a formal apology.

TVNZ chairman Craig Boyce faced the Privileges Committee after the board stripped former chief executive Ian Fraser of his remaining duties and accused him of ‘serious misconduct’ for speaking out at the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee inquiry into TVNZ last year.

“The Privileges Committee recommendations are a victory for the public. They can now be assured that Parliament takes seriously its role to oversee public entities and institutions," says Mr Key.

“What was so concerning about the board’s actions was the chilling effect it would have had on all those called to give evidence before select committees.

“The outcome justifies my raising the issue. It’s a victory for parliamentary democracy and accountability.

“MPs from all parties were obviously as concerned as I was, and that was why the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee unanimously agreed to back my drive for the Privileges Committee to take a look at the board’s actions.”

ENDS

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