Dyson decides to pay back cost of trip because subsidy no longer appropriate

Labour MP Ruth Dyson says she is paying back the cost of a recent private trip to Ethiopia for herself and her husband because it is no longer appropriate for taxpayers to subsidise such trips when so many Kiwis are struggling to make ends meet.

“When I applied for funding for the trip in July last year, it was before the rules were changed, and the subsidy was perfectly within the rules,” Ruth Dyson said.

“However, I felt uncomfortable about the subsidy all the while I was overseas, and when I got back yesterday I informed Labour Leader Phil Goff I would be repaying the subsidy of just under $16,000, and making a statement about it. Phil said he believed my decision was the right one.

“Over the past month or so, there have been more and more stories about Kiwis struggling to pay their weekly bills and put food on the table,” Ruth Dyson said.

“MPs must show a lead in terms of spending. Kiwis expect nothing else,” Ruth Dyson said.

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