Select Committee Oversight Undermined Re Saudi Sheep Inconsistencies

3 MARCH 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Taxpayers’ Union is backing Labour MP David Parker’s criticism of National MPs blocking an attempt by the Commerce Select Committee to recall NZTE officials to clarify or correct NZTE Chief Executive Peter Chrisp’s comments to the Committee on the continued funding of the Saudi Sheep "agri-hub". Jordan Williams, the Executive Director of the Taxpayers’ Union says:

“One of New Zealand’s most important constitutional oversights is the Select Committee process. MPs must be able to rely on public servants giving truthful and accurate answers, no matter the political consequences for the Government. Here evidence has been uncovered which calls into question the accuracy of a senior official’s answers to a Committee. It is entirely appropriate for opposition MPs to have the opportunity to reexamine Mr Chrisp.”

“We are not calling into question Mr Crisp’s honesty. There may be an innocent answer for the inconsistency between his statement and the board paper subsequently uncovered. But by not allowing Mr Chrisp to be recalled to the Committee, taxpayers are left to wonder what the Government has to hide; how deep this Saudi Sheep saga goes; whether there is a coverup; and who is protecting who?”

ENDS

© Scoop Media