John Tamihere’s attempt to cite ACT leader Richard Prebble for breach of privilege has been turned down by the Speaker, the Rt Hon Jonathan Hunt.

Mr Tamihere made a series of sweeping allegations against the ACT leader. He claimed that documents tabled in the House had been tampered with, that statements concerning the Waipareira Trust were inaccurate, and that convicted fraudster Wynn Anania had no connection to the Trust.

“It has been established that all of Mr Tamihere’s claims are false. None of the documents tabled by ACT have been altered. Mr Tamihere himself tabled documents relating to the Trust which name Mr Anania. This raises doubts about Mr Tamihere’s credibility in trying to distance himself from a convicted fraudster who was on the books of the Trust as having received substantial payments,” Mr Prebble said.

According to the tabled documents, Mr Anania received 23 payments totalling over $17,500 in 1997 and early 1998 from the Trust. His salary was paid through a third party seven times during this period.

“Mr Tamihere’s political style appears to be to launch personal attacks at anyone who asks him to be accountable.”

“ACT has achieved its objective of having the appropriate authorities examine the serious allegations. ACT believes it is appropriate to await the outcome of those inquiries before Parliament reviews the results,” he said.

Mr Prebble said the Government has conceded the allegations are serious and do show a laxity in the contracting by Government departments and financial mismanagement by the Trust.

ENDS

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