26 July 2012

PM needs to rethink Banks' role as Minister

ACT leader and Minister of Regulatory Reform John Banks memory around donations, and ability to sign off false documents should be of great concern to the Prime Minister, Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei said today.

Police have decided not to charge ACT leader John Banks over a complaint that he filed false donation returns in the 2010 Auckland mayoralty election.

“Mr Banks repeatedly solicited and received donations after interviews with people,” said Mrs Turei.

“Mr Banks was even given an envelope with a donation of $15,000 from the CEO of Skycity in a face to face meeting.

“Mr Banks escaped prosecution because the Police can’t be sure Mr Banks was fully aware of what he was doing when signing these gifts of as anonymous.

“At present John Key’s Government is supported by a Minister that seems incapable of remembering the most basic facts.

“This Government also has a Minister that seems willing to sign documents that are patently false.

“Although Mr Banks has escaped prosecution John Key needs to think long and hard about whether Mr Banks should be a Minister in his Government,” Mrs Turei said.

ENDS

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