Gerry Brownlee MP
National Party Deputy Leader

06 September 2006

Clark drops the ball on double-dipping MP

National Party Deputy Leader Gerry Brownlee says Helen Clark should ask Shane Jones to contribute the $86,000 salary/koha he's collecting from his other job to helping pay back Labour's election overspending.

"Why hasn't Mr Jones given up that second politically appointed job? Has Helen Clark forgotten about this double dipping MP?"

Mr Brownlee is referring to Shane Jones' position as chairman of Te Ohu Kaimoana, which he was supposed to give up within 'six months to a year although it could happen earlier'.

"Eleven months has passed and Mr Jones is still on the payroll - potentially putting at risk the independence of the fisheries authority. Has any progress been made in finding a replacement?"

Mr Brownlee says Maryan Street gave up her job as the Government appointee to the Crown Forestry Rental Trust when she became an MP, and Darian Fenton stepped down from her trade union position.

"But there appears to be a different standard for Mr Jones.

"He has now collected a full year's 'koha' from this second job. Though I accept that a special skill set is required for the position, this has dragged on and on, especially when Helen Clark herself signalled she did 'not expect him to be in the position for a long time'."

Mr Brownlee says that in the spirit of koha perhaps Mr Jones could think about donating his second salary to the Labour Party pledge card fund.

ENDS

© Scoop Media