Phil Goff

Leader of the Labour Party

07 December 2010 Media Statement

PM should stop ducking and diving over Wong

John Key is stooping to ridiculous new lows in a desperate attempt to avoid further investigation into whether Pansy Wong misspent public money on international ministerial trips that he in fact approved as Prime Minister, says Labour Leader Phil Goff.

“John Key’s attempts to duck responsibility are simply embarrassing. He is dancing on the head of a pin trying to justify the behaviour of Pansy Wong and his lack of oversight of his own Minister’s behaviour and spending.”

During Question Time, Phil Goff asked John Key whether he would take responsibility for Pansy Wong’s ministerial travel, which he approves and which was not investigated by the recent McPhail report.

“First off, John Key seemed flummoxed by the question. Then he said he’d had no advice about the matter. Then he resorted to saying it hadn’t been brought to his attention. He’s ducking and diving all over the show.”

Phil Goff also asked the Prime Minister whether he accepted that while Pansy Wong was on what was supposed to be a private trip to China, she signed her husband’s business document as a Minister of the Crown.

John Key replied: “No. She signed that document saying her occupation was as a Minister of the Crown.”

“This whole situation is descending into a farce. The Prime Minister won’t step up and take responsibility for how taxpayers’ money is spent by his own ministers. John Key should refer the Wong scandal to the Auditor-General for a more thorough investigation – just as he did in the case of Phil Heatley.”

ENDS

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