MEDIA RELEASE

MP Perk Transparency Needed

22 AUGUST 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the increase in taxpayer-funded entitlements for MPs and their families published on the legislation website this afternoon. Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams says:

“As if extravagant salaries for MPs were not enough, MPs and their families are now entitled to even more free travel and accommodation from the taxpayer.”

“It is ridiculous that on top of a base salary of at least $147,800, even the partners and children of backbench list MPs receive 20 taxpayer-funded flights per year. At the very least taxpayersshould have transparency. We're calling on the Remuneration Authority to publish the submissions from MPs, so the public can know who has lobbied for more taxpayer-funded perks.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is an independent activist group, dedicated to being the voice for Kiwi taxpayers in the corridors of power. It’s here to fight government waste and make sure New Zealanders get value for money from their tax dollar.

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