Crocodile Tears From Members of Parliament

Despite public comments bemoaning yesterday’s back-dated pay hike, not a single member of Parliament intends to reject their pay rise, according to responses received by the Taxpayers’ Union. This morning the Union emailed every MP asking whether they would be pocketing the extra money, giving it back to the Crown, or giving it to a charity.

“This is a shameful example of saying one thing but doing another,” says Jordan Williams of the Taxpayers’ Union. “While Prime Minister John Key, Winston Peters, and the Greens all jump on the band wagon about not needing the extra money, not one MP was willing to give an assurance that the money would be given to charity or back to the Crown.”

“Every year MPs bemoan their higher and higher salaries, but seem to turn into spineless jellyfish when presented with an opportunity to return the extra money to taxpayers.”

On behalf of the New Zealand First MPs, Barbara Stewart has indicated that its MPs will be deciding as a caucus what to do with the extra amounts.

“New Zealand First, to its credit, is at least seriously considering whether to put its money where its mouth is and reject the pay hike. We look forward to confirmation on whether its MPs pocket the money or let taxpayers keep what they, not politicians, have earned.”

ENDS

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