Stuff reports that the Chairman of TVNZ has now criticised the Speaker's decision to refer them to Parliament's privileges committee. The Speaker justified the referral on the basis that a general question of the status of select committee witnesses had arisen, and needed further attention from the committee.
I think that the referral was completely correct. The privileges committee needs to come back with a clear statement saying that intimidation of witnesses before select committees will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The Chairman, Craig Boyce, has blamed the referral on the lack of a government majority on the committee, and 'respected senior members of parliament' who have preferred the views of Mr Fraser over those of the board.
Well first of all, the referral to the Speaker from the Finance and Expenditure committee was unanimous - it wasn't just the opposition that voted for it. Secondly, the 'respected senior members of parliament' are not concerned that Ian Fraser has a different view to the board. They are concerned that the TVNZ board decided that Fraser's evidence amounted to serious misconduct, when it was both protected by parliamentary priviledge, and he was required to tell what he considered the truth, or he would be in contempt. They are not concerned about who is right here, but about the impact of TVNZ's actions subsequently in this matter.
Hat Tip: Rodney Hidemsn 5.0 dowloand
I think that the referral was completely correct. The privileges committee needs to come back with a clear statement saying that intimidation of witnesses before select committees will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The Chairman, Craig Boyce, has blamed the referral on the lack of a government majority on the committee, and 'respected senior members of parliament' who have preferred the views of Mr Fraser over those of the board.
Well first of all, the referral to the Speaker from the Finance and Expenditure committee was unanimous - it wasn't just the opposition that voted for it. Secondly, the 'respected senior members of parliament' are not concerned that Ian Fraser has a different view to the board. They are concerned that the TVNZ board decided that Fraser's evidence amounted to serious misconduct, when it was both protected by parliamentary priviledge, and he was required to tell what he considered the truth, or he would be in contempt. They are not concerned about who is right here, but about the impact of TVNZ's actions subsequently in this matter.
Hat Tip: Rodney Hidemsn 5.0 dowloand
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