Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Licence needed for work use Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

Auditor-General’s Armstrong report welcomed

19 December 2003 Media Statement

Auditor-General’s report welcomed

The Auditor-General has today released a report on expenses incurred by Dr Ross Armstrong during his tenure as Chairperson of Television New Zealand, New Zealand Post, and Industrial Research Limited.

The report finds that standards of documentation and reporting within the three entities should have been higher, and that Dr Armstrong was at times overpaid.

Minister of Broadcasting Steve Maharey and Minister for State Owned Enterprises Mark Burton are today welcoming the report, saying that lessons had been learned by all three organisations.

“This report covers events that happened between one and four years ago. While it shows that reporting processes could have been more robust at the time, procedures have been strengthened to prevent a similar incident occurring again,” said Steve Maharey.

“It is reassuring to see confirmation that Dr Armstrong did not act dishonestly, and that he has made full reimbursements.”

Mark Burton noted that he had written to all SOE Boards following Dr Armstrong’s resignation in late 2002, reminding them that proper procedures must be in place for the approval of all Directors’ expenses.

“This government does not tolerate extravagance. Today’s report provides an object lesson on the importance for all SOEs to adhere to procedures for reimbursement of any and all expenses.

“It is also, of course, an illustration of how important it is for individual Directors to be vigilant in their record-keeping.”

Both ministers indicated that the government would study the report carefully to see if there are any further lessons to be learned.

ENDS

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

Featured News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.