Register of Pecuniary and Other Specified Interests 2014

The 2014 register of pecuniary interests of members of Parliament was presented to the House by the Speaker on Tuesday, 6 May. This register covers the period from 1 February 2013 to 31 January 2014.

Each member of Parliament registers their interests, such as their assets, debts, and gifts they may have received. This system was adopted in 2006 under rules set out in the “Standing Orders of the House of Representatives”.

The register enhances the transparency and accountability of members. It provides protection against arguments that a possible conflict might arise between a member’s public duty and private interests.

The current Registrar is Sir Maarten Wevers. He has commented that this year’s returns process went smoothly, with all members lodging returns by the due date of 28 February 2014. Sir Maarten also noted that recent public comment about donations and gifts provided to elected officials in the local government sector, and to members of Parliament themselves, shows that issues of probity, transparency, and appropriate behaviour by elected officials remain of high interest.

Sir Maarten has been invited by the Standing Orders Committee to offer input into the 2014 review of Standing Orders, and he intends to make a submission. The review is likely to be concluded before the term of the current Parliament.

• Register of Pecuniary and Other Specified Interests: Summary – 2014
• Standing Orders of the House of Representatives, 2011
• Review of Standing Orders

© Scoop Media