John Key MP
National Party Finance Spokesman
16 February 2006

TVNZ’s board to face privileges committee

The Speaker's ruling today that TVNZ's board will have to face Parliament's privileges committee is a victory for parliamentary democracy and accountability, says National Finance spokesman John Key.

"Ultimately, this is a victory for the public too. They can now be assured that Parliament takes seriously its role to oversee public entities and institutions," Mr Key says.

Former TVNZ chief executive Ian Fraser is taking a personal grievance against the board after it stripped him of his remaining duties and accused him of 'serious misconduct' for speaking out at the finance and expenditure select committee inquiry into the broadcaster.

Mr Key, who yesterday got the FEC to back his drive for the board's actions to go to the powerful privileges committee, says he is happy with the Speaker's move today.

"Just because the board has now withdrawn its accusations against Mr Fraser, does not excuse its actions.

"The fact is the board has already, in my view, committed contempt of Parliament. Mr Fraser was speaking his mind at the inquiry and should not have been retaliated against.

“The board's reaction should send a chill down the spine of every MP and anyone else who cares about public accountability."

ENDS

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