MEDIA ADVISORY
PM must call in Auditor General to give taxpayers confidence in Shane Jones
10 MARCH 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Auditor General must launch an investigation into Shane Jones and the Provincial Growth Fund, says the New Zealand
Taxpayers' Union in response to Mr Jones' failure to recuse himself from a meeting that allocated $4.6 million to a
project to which he is personally connected.
Taxpayers' Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says, "Ministers have it drilled into them that when it comes to decisions
that involve a personal interest, they shouldn't be in the room, let alone provide advice and 'reassurances'. Shane
Jones' behaviour will give taxpayers zero confidence that the Growth Fund is being spent impartially or for economic
good."
"Businesses across the country will look at this example, along with other Growth Fund handouts, and figure that the key
to profitability is cosy relationships with the political class. That is the path to cronyism and corruption."
"The Prime Minister mustn't let her Government's reliance on NZ First lead to an open season on taxpayer funds. She
should call in the Auditor General to investigate Shane Jones' actions, and be prepared to strip him of his Regional
Economic Development portfolio if necessary."
ENDS