David
SHEARER
Labour Leader
12 March 2013 MEDIA STATEMENT
Shane Jones reinstated to front bench

Labour Leader David Shearer has today reinstated MP Shane Jones to Labour’s front bench after a report by the Auditor-General cleared him of any wrongdoing.

“I referred the matter of the granting of citizenship to Bill Liu to the Auditor-General so that Shane Jones would have the chance to clear his name in the light of allegations made in the media. I am pleased that today’s report does that.

“The Auditor-General has found there was no evidence of corruption, improper motive, collusion or political interference. The report did however criticise processes followed by Ministers and officials involved in the Liu case and other high-risk cases.

“I thank the Auditor-General and her team for the very thorough investigation they have carried out. I accept the report in its entirety and support the recommendations made to improve processes in future.

“I’m pleased to welcome Shane Jones back to our front bench and his return to full duties in the portfolios of regional development, forestry and associate finance. Shane is a talented MP who has a huge contribution to make to the Labour team and to New Zealand,” said David Shearer.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Scoop Business: Bathurst Gets Nod For DoC Access To Denniston Mine

Conservation Minister Nick Smith has approved access over conservation estate land for Bathurst Resources to develop an open cast coal mine on the Denniston Plateau, above Westport, to the dismay of environmental opponents.

The timing for Smith’s move avoids Bathurst having to resubmit applications for access agreements under the revised Crown Minerals Act, which comes into force tomorrow and would have required public consultation.

The announcement lands in the middle of delicate negotiations between the company, environmental groups and other interested parties that could pave the way to a broader agreement on the Escarpment proposal, whose resource consents are still subject to court appeals. More>>