Judith Collins MP National Party Families Spokeswoman

9 June 2005

Collins tells Maharey to front up on handshake

National Party Families spokeswoman Judith Collins is calling on Social Development Minister Steve Maharey to stop prevaricating and release details of the Families Commission golden handshake.

In Parliament's social services select committee yesterday, Mr Maharey again refused to release the details of the secret golden handshake that was paid out to former Families Commission CEO Claire Austin, who was in the job for just three months.

Mr Maharey said MPs would have to wait until November, when the Commission's annual report is released.

"Labour is clearly stalling on giving details of the payout because of the coming election. They obviously have something to hide.

"Maharey, Clark and co talked tough on this stuff in Opposition, but in Government they have shown themselves to be all bluster and no action," says Ms Collins.

In Parliament on Tuesday, Mr Maharey said, in relation to the payout: "If the member would like anything else, she is most welcome to it, because everything is on the table".

"Clearly, in this case, everything is not on the table and Labour has no intention of putting it there," says Ms Collins.

ENDS

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