20 November 2013

New responsibilities for Remuneration Authority

The New Zealand Remuneration Authority will gain new responsibilities with the recent passing of the Members of Parliament (Remuneration and Services) Bill.

The Authority will be responsible for determining the entitlements of MPs and Ministers for accommodation in New Zealand and family members of MPs and Ministers for domestic travel. They will also determine the New Zealand travel allowances for former Prime Ministers and their spouses/partners.

The determinations will be made by 1 September 2014. John Errington, Authority Chair, says, “We will consult carefully with MPs and their representatives about their needs before making the determination. We will also thoroughly consider practices in both the public and private sectors.

“MPs and Ministers have unique and complex work requirements and need conditions that support their work, while providing value and transparency for taxpayers. Their accommodation needs include MPs semi-permanent bases in Wellington as well as their needs to maintain regular connection with communities around the country, away from their electorates.

“It’s important that people understand what business expenses are necessary to allow MPs and Ministers to do their job properly,” Mr Errington says.

As well as making the final determinations next year, the Authority will be the final arbiter in the interim for any disputes about the interpretation of the current provisions.

ENDS

Background

Currently the New Zealand Remuneration Authority sets the pay for key office holders such as judges, Members of Parliament, local government representatives and some independent statutory bodies. The new responsibilities under the Remuneration and Services area will extend its responsibilities in the Parliamentary area. The Authority is an independent body set up by Parliament.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment provides administrative support for the Remuneration Authority and is issuing this media release on their behalf.

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