Collins Knew About Cover-up

Minister of Justice Judith Collins knew full well when she completed her pecuniary interests declaration in 2013 that she had to declare foreign government support for accommodation and transportation, says New Zealand First.

“In the case of her Beijing trip in October 2013 she reported to the Prime Minister on November 7 last year that Chinese Government support was in her words “substantial”, says New Zealand First Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters.

“The reason the Minister knew she had to make this declaration was that she completed a declaration the previous year and disclosed that the Australian Government had been a contributor to her accommodation.

“Why disclosure in 2012 and not in 2013?

“Prime Minister John Key’s nonsensical statement in the House that Ministers are not required to demonstrates a contempt for the requirements of disclosure,” says Mr Peters.

The Register of Pecuniary Interests is “designed to promote accountability and transparency by identifying personal financial interests that might influence members of Parliament.”
“The question should be asked, why did other Ministers disclose when she did not,” says Mr Peters.

ENDS

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