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PM must call in Auditor General

MEDIA ADVISORY
PM must call in Auditor General to give taxpayers confidence in Shane Jones

10 MARCH 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Auditor General must launch an investigation into Shane Jones and the Provincial Growth Fund, says the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union in response to Mr Jones' failure to recuse himself from a meeting that allocated $4.6 million to a project to which he is personally connected.

Taxpayers' Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says, "Ministers have it drilled into them that when it comes to decisions that involve a personal interest, they shouldn't be in the room, let alone provide advice and 'reassurances'. Shane Jones' behaviour will give taxpayers zero confidence that the Growth Fund is being spent impartially or for economic good."

"Businesses across the country will look at this example, along with other Growth Fund handouts, and figure that the key to profitability is cosy relationships with the political class. That is the path to cronyism and corruption."

"The Prime Minister mustn't let her Government's reliance on NZ First lead to an open season on taxpayer funds. She should call in the Auditor General to investigate Shane Jones' actions, and be prepared to strip him of his Regional Economic Development portfolio if necessary."

ENDS

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