Bridges wants expenses leak inquiry
WELLINGTON: National Party leader Simon Bridges is calling for an independent inquiry into who leaked details of his expenses to the media before they were released publicly.
Parliament Speaker Trevor Mallard is already looking at the leak and will consider whether a forensic examination is needed of a document containing the information which was given to Newshub.
Newshub reported on Monday that Mr Bridges’ accommodation and travel for the past quarter exceeded $100,000, most of that on Crown limousines.
Mr Bridges yesterday afternoon said he had spoken to Mr Mallard and an independent inquiry needed.
‘‘It has to be away from the Speaker, from Parliamentary Services and the Government.’’
Mr Bridges said it should be led by someone such as a High Court judge, agreed by the National Party, and with the best forensic expertise.
‘‘The reason I think this is
was very important isn’t about me, I don’t think it’s about the Opposition.
‘‘I think it’s ultimately about the fact that a leak such as this potentially affects all members of Parliament.’’
Mr Bridges was confident the leaker was not one of his MPs, despite earlier confirming all would have received the information.
‘‘I very much doubt it. I’m incredibly confident it’s not going to be a National MP.’’
But if it was, there would be consequences, he said.
‘‘A leak from Parliament, involving members of Parliament, has to be taken very seriously,’’ Mr Bridges said.
Mr Mallard yesterday said the document used by Newshub was not in the same format as that given to the parliamentary library or to his office ahead of public release.
‘‘I have indicated that to a number of parties and am going to take 24 hours and take soundings about whether there needs to be a further, forensic examination as to the source of the document,’’ he said.
‘‘It doesn’t reflect well on the organisation as a whole but I prefer to wait for 24 hours now before making any further comment.’’
Mr Bridges has stopped short of blaming the Government directly but said they were looking for distractions.
‘‘I think you’ve got to say the Government is looking for every distraction they can rather than focusing on the things they should be: a plummeting business confidence, economy in downturn, strikes.’’
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said none of her MPs were involved.
‘‘We’ve sought assurances from Ministerial Services who manage this information, that none of the Opposition’s numbers were shared with anyone but them and they’ve given us that assurance.’’
Ms Ardern said she could categorically rule out anyone in Labour having access to the information, including whips.
‘‘The only groups, as I understand, who will have had access are the Opposition themselves and the Speaker,’’ she said.
Mr Bridges has defended his expenses, which come after his nationwide tour to raise his profile, saying he had been working hard to get to the regions and understand their issues.
Ms Ardern’s surface travel for the first quarter, which included her time as Opposition leader, totalled $82,795. — NZME