An article in the Herald today takes a look at the Parliamentary Service Commission, noting that it is exempt from the Official Information Act, despite a 1999 report recommending that this be changed. The Commission is run by a committee of MPs from all parties, and provides services to MPs. Currently it has a budget of $104 million.x 3gp video converter serial
It seems very wrong that it is exempt from the Official Information Act - no other government department is as far as I am aware (leaving aside the security services), and I can't see any reason why it should be. It administers a large amount of public money, and always has the appearence of being dodgy, with MPs setting their own benefits without any oversight or transparency.x 3gp video converter serial
This really needs to be changed. Geoffrey Palmer noted in an interview back in the 90s that it was ommitted from the original OIA because that was difficult enough to pass as it was, but he expressed the hope that this would change (and claimed to advocate for it while a Minister). Well, Palmer is now the head of the Law Commission, and can adovcate for this again.x 3gp video converter serial
Let's increase the accountability of Parliament, and not allow them to spend public money in secret.x 3gp video converter serial
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IMHO the entire OIA needs to be strengthened - but I doubt in the current political climate the government would have the stomach for it.x 3gp video converter serial