David Cunliffe
Labour Leader

16 October 2013

Labour lodges privileges complaint against Nick Smith

Labour today lodged a privileges complaint against Conservation Minister Nick Smith for deliberately misleading Parliament over a Department of Conservation draft submission on the proposed Ruataniwha dam.

Labour Leader David Cunliffe says responses to written questions raise doubts over Dr Smith’s continued assertions he didn’t know about the draft submission until it was leaked to media and raised in the House on September 17.

“The documents show Dr Smith’s weekly report dated May 20 discussed the content of DOC’s submission and referred specifically to concerns about monitoring nitrogen and phosphate levels in the Tukituki river.

“Dr Smith also claims he first asked DOC to give him a copy of the submission on July 29. However, his weekly report dated June 24 shows on June 17 he required DOC to have him approve the submission before submitting it.

“His weekly reports also show the Minister was already briefed on the draft on 20 May, 17 June and 24 June despite telling Parliament he was first told by DOC that they were preparing a submission on 29 July.

“Worse still, Dr Smith has failed to keep his Prime Minister in the loop over the contents of these weekly reports. John Key was today blindsided in Parliament when questioned about them by Labour.

“Labour believes Dr Smith has misled Parliament over what he knew about DOC’s draft submission.

“We urge the Speaker of the House to refer our complaint to the Privileges Committee for consideration,” David Cunliffe says.

Click here to read the Privileges Complaint to Speaker.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

New Zealand Labour Party

New Zealand's Main Opposition Political Party

The New Zealand Labour Party is the oldest political party in the New Zealand Parliament. Currently the main opposition party the Labour Party Caucus has 34 MPs. Labour is optimistic for New Zealand's future, and with your support we will carry on our work for all Kiwis, and lead New Zealand to that future.

CONTACT NEW ZEALAND LABOUR PARTY

• Facebook

• Twitter - @nzlabour

Trial Over 'Anonymous' Donations: John Banks Resigns As Minister

ACT Leader John Banks today confirmed that he has stood down from his Ministerial positions following today’s decision at the Auckland District Court.

“Last week I indicated to the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff that I would offer my resignation should the matter relating to my 2010 Mayoral Electoral return be committed to trial,” Mr Banks said...

“I intend to continue in my role as ACT Leader and MP for Epsom, and ACT will continue to support National on matters of confidence and supply. More>>