Prime Minister Must Implement Remuneration Review Immediately

ACT Finance Spokesman MP Rodney Hide today welcomed the Todd Review of MPs' pay and allowances.

"It's a good review. The Government has no option but to implement it immediately.

"The present system is indefensible. As the Todd Review makes clear, we need proper accountability, transparency and tax treatment.

"Prime Minister Helen Clark should implement the review immediately. Members of parliament can't demand accountability and transparency for everyone else and not apply the same principles to themselves. They certainly should not have a payment system falling outside the tax net.

"The proposed changes show just what a party can achieve in Parliament when they stick to their guns and speak out plainly and fearlessly.

"I was attacked mercilessly by all parties when I first pointed out the failings of the present system, including the tax treatment of perks.

But now it looks as though finally the system that I have previously likened to a former-USSR Post Office is to be reformed.

"I believe we should go further. MPs' travel expenditure should be capped - i.e. bulk funded. MPs should have to work to a budget just like everyone else in the community. But the Todd Review is a good start," Mr Hide said.

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