The decision of Mr Speaker Hunt to refer written statements by NZ Post to Parliament's Privileges Committee has been welcomed by National MP Murray McCully.

Mr McCully raised the privilege matter with the Speaker on February 11, following responses from NZ Post to questions from the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee, seeking a copy of the Kroll Report to the South African Government.

"SOE'S are owned by the nations' taxpayers. The financial review conducted by one of Parliament's Select Committees is the key means by which SOE's are held accountable by the owners representatives. Any suggestion that SOE's might undermine that process of accountability by providing misleading answers about the availability of damaging information needs to be dealt with firmly.

"Mr Speaker's decision to refer this matter to Parliament's Privileges Committee will serve to remind SOE's as to the importance of responding openly and honestly to questions from Select Committees, and will reinforce the important roles played by Parliament and it's Select Committees," Mr McCully said.

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