24 August 2006

Select committee inquiry on hold

A select committee inquiry into rates issues is on hold, after Green Party Local Government Spokesperson Metiria Turei this morning abstained from a vote to establish one in the local government select committee.

"Until the Government yesterday announced an independent inquiry into similar issues, we were keen to see a select committee inquiry take place to deal with rates issues, particularly in relation to public transport and Maori land," Mrs Turei says.

"However it would be wasteful and expensive to have two separate inquiries on the same issues going on at the same time. While we are pleased that the request was raised by the National Party this morning, until we have seen the terms of reference of the Government's independent inquiry, we think it is best to reserve a decision on a select committee inquiry.

"We are hopeful that the Greens, and all other parties, will be consulted on the terms of the independent inquiry. If such an inquiry takes into account the concerns raised by the Green Party and the National Party in calling for a select committee inquiry earlier this week, there is no reason not to support it.

"However, the request for a select committee inquiry will remain on the committee's agenda, and can be put forward at any time. It is good to know that it remains an option, should the independent inquiry prove unsatisfactory for any reason," Mrs Turei says.

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