PM's revulsion doesn't extend to Labour mates

Tuesday 14 Dec 2004

Deborah Coddington - Press Releases - Broadcasting

Prime Minister Helen Clark's declared revulsion over high salaries paid to television broadcasters doesn't seem to apply to her own Labour Party president, Mike Williams, ACT Broadcasting spokesman Deborah Coddington said today.

"Helen Clark said she was revolted by Paul Holmes' $760,000 salary. Today in Parliament she said the TVNZ Board would have to explain why Judy Bailey's salary has doubled to $800,000 - 'for just four minutes a day on air'.

"However, Mr Williams has been appointed to at least eight central or local government entities, including the chairmanship of NZ Rail Corporation - while he works full-time for the Labour Party.

"Since 1999, Mr Williams - who has never been a director of a public company - has been a director of Transit NZ, Solid Energy, Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences, NZ Historic Places Trust, Genesis Power, plus Enterprise Waitakere (a division of the Waitakere City Council where past Labour Party president Bob Harvey is Mayor) and the Auckland DHB.

"At the same time Mr Williams works full-time for the Labour Party, putting his total earnings well above the Prime Minister's and up near Paul Holmes'. Brian Gaynor, a leading economic commentator, has repeatedly criticised private individuals for holding multiple directorships.

"At least Judy Bailey and Paul Holmes are experienced and popular broadcasters. Mike Williams, who has his own telemarketing company, has never been a director of a public company.

"However, when it comes to Labour's mates, the Prime Minister turns a blind eye to the 'culture of extravagance'," Miss Coddington said.

ENDS

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