Podcasts about parliamentary service

This week the Gals discuss child poverty, the outcome of the Manurewa Marae inquiry, tourism and immigration and a raft of potential new laws.   Esther has an idea for the Government's clearance sale, Brigitte praises Labour leader Chris Hipkins and Georgie has some words for Brian Tamaki.   Yass Queen to our Parliamentary Service and Office of the Clerk and Beehave Mate to a mansplaining MP who needs to get out of our vaginas.

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has accused Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin of violating procurement laws by hiring Thaddeus Sory as a lawyer for the Parliamentary Service without the necessary approvals.

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has accused Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin of violating procurement laws by hiring Thaddeus Sory as a lawyer for the Parliamentary Service without the necessary approvals.

The Government Communications Security Bureau is dismissing China's rejection of claims it hacked the computer systems of New Zealand parliamentary agencies. On Tuesday, New Zealand accused China of a malicious cyber-attack against the Parliamentary Service and the Parliamentary Counsel Office in August 2021. Massey University's Centre for Defence and Security Studies director Dr Wil Hoverd spoke to Corin Dann.

Parliamentary Service has confirmed MPs' Koru Club memberships are paid for by Air New Zealand.  It comes after unseated Labour MP Dan Rosewarne claimed his post-parliamentary life was made real when he saw the “red lights of doom” upon trying to swipe himself into the lounge and being rejected. Unlike most MPs' perks, lounge access isn't actually paid for by the taxpayer, instead it's gifted by the airline itself  Victoria University School of Government Senior Research Fellow Max Rashbrooke told Mike Hosking that the membership should be declared.  He says any gift given to MPs has to be declared in the register of pecuniary interests so members can provide transparency.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political candidates are facing increased violence.   National says a volunteer's faced death threats, another was attacked by a dog, and one candidate has moved house after threats from a gang.   In the past week, Labour's Angela Roberts says she was slapped at a debate, and Te Pati Maori's Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke says her home was invaded.  Parliamentary Service Chief Executive Rafael Gonzalez-Montero told Mike Hosking that they've seen a rise in attacks and intimidation this election campaign.   He says what's concerning is volunteers and support staff are also experiencing it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Speaker of the House Trevor Mallard is challenging resigned former Labour MP Dr Gaurav Sharma to release the full recording of a prior conversation between the pair which Mallard claims will prove Sharma breached privilege. Sharma, who announced his shock resignation from Parliament on Tuesday, yesterday released a 54-second audio clip on social media of a conversation he'd had with Mallard about Sharma's request for an investigation into claims the former Hamilton West MP had made about staffers and Labour Party members. In the recording, Sharma could be heard telling Mallard about written complaints he had made about staff members who didn't turn up to work or those who had arrived at work intoxicated. "I'm at a point when I'm just hitting a stone wall," Sharma said to Mallard. Mallard responded by saying he would ask Parliamentary Service chief executive Rafael Gonzalez-Montero to compile a report on the matter. At the end of the clip, Mallard referenced the potential impact of making false claims against Labour colleagues. "If it involved allegations against other party members then it will end up being career-limiting." Sharma has previously claimed former party whip Kieran McAnulty had bullied him, a claim McAnulty had repeatedly denied. In his post, Sharma criticised Mallard for not assisting him appropriately. "I went to see Trevor Mallard because as the Speaker of the House, he was the minister responsible for Parliament but instead of supporting me or investigating the whole issue, he went straight to the Labour Party whips' office after my meeting with him, and told them that I had laid a complaint." Speaking to the NZ Herald, Mallard challenged Sharma to release the full recording of the conversation, which lasted about 30 minutes. "I know [Sharma] won't [release] it because in it, he tells lies," Mallard said. “I'm not at all surprised [he released the recording] and the idea that someone like that could cause me to lose any sleep is farcical.” Asked for clarification concerning his "career-limiting" comment, Mallard said he meant to indicate to Sharma that his claims were "very serious" and if inaccurate, would be "career-limiting on someone, whatever happened". Mallard also claimed the recording would prove what Sharma said in the House on the day of Speaker Adrian Rurawhe's confirmation in the role was untrue and a breach of privilege. Sharma said he would happily provide the full audio to an independent investigator along with any other evidence he held. "If they had carried out an independent investigation as I have repeatedly requested into the bullying I have been subjected to by the Labour whips, I wouldn't have to put this stuff on social media." Rurawhe, a Labour MP, was nominated by the Government as the new Speaker in Parliament on August 24. Sharma, then an independent MP after being expelled from Labour's caucus, said in the House it was refreshing to hear Rurawhe talk about "fairness", then claimed he spoke with Mallard two weeks ago about the issues he was facing and whether he could get legal support. "But the Speaker said, 'Well if you raise anything about Labour colleagues and [they] challenge it, it would be the end of your career', and then the Speaker ended up going to the whip's office right after that to tell them that I had actually laid a complaint," Sharma said in the House After this comment, Mallard could be heard saying, "liar". As Sharma tried to continue, the new Speaker cut him off, saying Sharma's grievances were not fit to be debated in the House currently as it had only met for the purpose of electing the next Speaker. Sharma's resignation has triggered a byelection in Hamilton West, which will take place on December 10. Mallard gave his valedictory speech in Parliament yesterday afternoon as part of his farewell before taking up a diplomatic posting to the Republic of Ireland. - by Adam Pearse, NZ HeraldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He's said plenty in the media, they've said as little as possible (on the record, at least). That's left media weighing up whether MP-gone-rogue Dr Sharma has really lifted the lid on serous bullying - or just reacted badly to the oversight and occasional coercion that's part and parcel of politics in a governing party. Meanwhile, his claims that MPs have been coached to frustrate official information requests have piqued the particular interest of the media.

He's said plenty in the media, they've said as little as possible (on the record, at least). That's left media weighing up whether MP-gone-rogue Dr Sharma has really lifted the lid on serous bullying - or just reacted badly to the oversight and occasional coercion that's part and parcel of politics in a governing party. Meanwhile, his claims that MPs have been coached to frustrate official information requests have piqued the particular interest of the media.

When politicians have staffing issues there is an odd triangular relationship to juggle. MPs' staff are employed by someone else. Someone who can't control the MPs.

Dissident MP Gaurav Sharma claims he is just trying to get justice despite being silenced. He's facing expulsion from the Labour party, after his suspension this week for the way he made bullying allegations against the party. Sharma claims the Parliamentary Service, an independent body, operates without oversight and works with whips of political parties to manipulate MPs who complain. He told Mike Hosking he doesn't want to enter into mediation, because he fears it will be slanted against him. “The decision has already been determined as we said.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All eyes are on the Labour Party with bullying accusations against MPs. Hamilton West MP Gaurav Sharma has accused party whips and the Parliamentary Service of bullying. But Sharma himself has also been accused of bad behaviour by previous staff. A senior staffer has also made allegations against first term Tukituki MP Anna Lorck. Former Labour Party staffer Shane Te Pou told Kate Hawkesby from what he can see, whips handled Sharma appropriately. He says Sharma had a high turnover of staff, so the party put a staffing freeze in place and tried to provide support. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One day last year, I was walking down Cashel Mall in Christchurch and I saw Finance Minister Grant Robertson. Some people wanted to take a selfie - which he was perfectly happy to do - but I heard him say first: “Hold on, I better put a mask on first or Jacinda will tell me off." Which probably sounded like a bit of a gag but I remember thinking at the time ‘yeah I bet she would'. That's because I've always considered Jacinda Ardern to be a bit of a Helen Clark. Even her mannerisms are similar. And I can see very clearly that behind the smiles and kindness talk there is a ruthless political operator there. She wouldn't be where she is today if she wasn't. And perhaps goes some way to explain why she's done nothing about that awful Labour Party bully Trevor Mallard. As I've said many times, in my honest opinion he is a bully and should've been given the flick ages ago. And, as I've said before, it is shameful that Jacinda Ardern has done nothing about Trevor Mallard. But he is obviously very useful for the Prime Minister. Awful, but useful too. That's why I'm not in the least bit surprised that we have Labour backbench MP Gaurav Sharma saying that there's all sorts of bullying behaviour going on at Parliament. He seems to be particularly concerned about the way MPs are treated by party whips and the Parliamentary Service, which provides administration support and runs the complex. And you know who's in charge of that, don't you? Yep, Speaker Trevor Mallard. Sharma is a relative newcomer to Parliament. He's only been there since 2020. But obviously he's had a gutsful already and he's written this opinion piece about it for the New Zealand Herald. I think as far as his career as a Labour Party politician is concerned, he's an idiot for doing what he's done. Jacinda will be fuming. Angry Andrew will be fuming. Even Chris Hipkins might be saying a few swear words. “Chris, that's not like you!” “Oh sorry Jacinda. I'm just really annoyed, you know. That guy's from Hamilton and we know there are bullies in Hamilton. So what makes him think he can call us bullies too? It's just not on.” I still don't quite understand why Gaurav Sharma has done what he's done. There is obviously an issue bubbling away behind the scenes and so he's decided to go public about it. Labour Party whip Duncan Webb has confirmed that there are, what he calls, “employment matters” being dealt with. And, man alive, the Labour Party machine is coming down hard on him. He's been in a bit of a stoush online with former Labour MP Darien Fenton who's been online telling Sharma she's “appalled” that he's so ill-disciplined and is “mouthing off in the media” about this. That's a direct quote from the message the former Labour MP sent to Gaurav Sharma after his article was published by the Herald. Sharma went back to Darien Fenton saying it's because of people like her that there's still a problem with bullying at Parliament. Boom! But it's not just former Labour MPs. Current Labour MPs are also trying hard to convince us that there's nothing to see here. One of them is Willy Jackson. How about this for a quote: “I have never seen it in my life. You're going to have to talk to him but I have never seen it. We are great whanau.” That's what Willie Jackson is saying. But, with respect Willie, I'm not quite sure whether you're the best person to be making that kind of judgement. I'm not saying you're a bully mate, I just suspect that you're one of the last people in Parliament that a bully would want to pick on. So, of course, you haven't seen it. And I think it is appalling that you are fobbing it off in this way. Just like I think it's appalling that current and former Labour MPs are ganging up on their MP for coming out and saying Parliament is a toxic place to work. By responding the way it is, the Government and Labour is showing that it is just as much a part of the problem as anyone else in that strange, strange place we know as Parliament. And it doesn't give me much hope that things are going to get any less toxic at Parliament anytime soon. Which is so rich, isn't it, given we hear so much weasel words from politicians about cracking down on bullying, being kind to each other, looking after our mental health. What a bunch of turkeys they all are.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Labour backbencher has gone rogue, launching an extraordinary broadside at his own party and Parliament, decrying rampant bullying. Gaurav Sharma has made the explosive claims after a long-running employment matter involving the Parliamentary Service and Labour's whip. It follows allegations of bullying behaviour this week which saw the Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell suspended from the National caucus pending an investigation. Here's RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.

A Labour backbencher has gone rogue, launching an extraordinary broadside at his own party and Parliament, decrying rampant bullying. Gaurav Sharma has made the explosive claims after a long-running employment matter involving the Parliamentary Service and Labour's whip. Political editor Jane Patterson spoke to Guyon Espiner.

Expect a political fall-out, from a Labour MP's allegations of rampant bullying in Parliament. Hamilton West Labour MP Gaurav Sharma claims bullying has become commonplace. He's accusing the Prime Minister's Office, the Parliamentary Service, the party leaders' offices, and the party whips' offices for allowing it to happen. Newstalk ZB Political Editor Barry Soper told Mike Hosking Sharma has thrown his colleagues under the bus. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Surprise about scathing bullying allegations from a back-bench Labour MP. Gaurav Sharma has hit out at bullying between MPs and from parties towards MPs.. He says it's facilitated and promoted by the Prime Minister's Office, the Parliamentary Service, party leaders' offices and party whips' offices. Newstalk ZB Deputy Political Editor Jason Walls told Kate Hawkesby it's rare to see an MP break ranks like this. He says for an MP to call out their party in such a public way is extraordinary. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National MP Todd Muller's resignation announcement followed a late-night caucus meeting in which Muller admitted he was one of several unnamed MPs criticising returning MP Harete Hipango in a media article.Muller has confirmed to the Herald that he admitted at that caucus meeting to making a comment that was quoted in the media."I did not leak. I made a comment to a journalist that was subsequently quoted. Yesterday I admitted to that and apologised for this."He would not comment further on whether that was a factor in his resignation, or whether National leader Judith Collins had demanded he resign.Collins is understood to be furious about Muller's admission.One source said Muller was threatened with a move to suspend him from caucus if he did not announce his resignation.The next morning Muller announced he would resign at the next election, saying it was a "difficult decision" but he had "decided that I need to prioritise my health and family and move on to the next chapter of my life."Other sources told the Herald Muller had explained he had spoken to the journalist in question, but said he was not expecting to be quoted on it, and had apologised.The article in question is understood to be a Newsroom piece which included a number of critical comments about Hipango from unnamed MPs. None of the other MPs outed themselves.The late-night caucus meeting at which Muller made his admission is believed to have been prompted by a NZ Herald article, published this morning, about allegations of inappropriate spending by Hipango which Parliamentary Service required her to pay back.Collins has since confirmed Hipango had to repay Parliamentary Service for some items of furniture, but has said it was a matter of "coding errors" by a staffer in the billing.Collins has been approached for comment.When Collins was asked after Muller's announcement if she was sad to see Muller resign, she replied that she accepted his decision and supported it."I think it shouldn't come as much of a surprise to people."Muller stood down as leader of the National Party in July after 53 days leading the party.He has been open about his struggle with anxiety and mental health during that period.Muller is expected to have portfolios taken from him when he returns from five weeks' leave to help his wife Michelle recover from a serious medical procedure.text by Claire Trevett, NZ Herald

National Leader Judith Collins says there should not be a lockdown in Wellington despite the capital being on high alert after an Australian man flew into the city during the weekend and spent time at six locations of interest.The man flew back to Sydney on Monday.Collins says she's crossing her fingers Wellington won't go into lockdown.She told John MacDonald she'll support the Government's decision, if it's based on the Ministry of Health's advice but another lockdown would be hugely costly.A National MP is accused of inappropriately spending money on furniture, including a television which hasn't yet appeared in their office.The MP has gone to ground, and the Parliamentary Service says it has no records of formal complaints relating to the particular member.Judith Collins would not reveal if she knows who the MP is, but she did say it wasn't on her watch.Collins also confirms National MP Todd Muller will resign at the next election.LISTEN ABOVE

The long serving National MP Nick Smith has bid farewell to Parliament, leaving many unanswered questions about the spat between himself and a staffer. He abruptly resigned last week, citing the loss of the Nelson seat and a Parliamentary Service inquiry into a "verbal altercation" in his Wellington office. But there was no mention of that investigation in his final speech last night, instead he reflected on his long career and honoured a commitment to his son. Political reporter Katie Scotcher was listening.

The long serving National MP Nick Smith has bid farewell to Parliament, leaving many unanswered questions about the spat between himself and a staffer. He abruptly resigned last week, citing the loss of the Nelson seat and a Parliamentary Service inquiry into a "verbal altercation" in his Wellington office. But there was no mention of that investigation in his final speech last night, instead he reflected on his long career and honoured a commitment to his son. Political reporter Katie Scotcher was listening.

National leader Judith Collins believes the party has "dodged a very big bullet" by not having former Upper Harbour candidate Jake Bezzant as an MP.Collins told the Bay of Plenty Times Weekend, from her perspective, the party was presented with "someone who is entirely different from what he portrayed", following allegations he impersonated his ex-partner online, shared explicit photos and even pretended to be her during cybersex.Otherwise, Collins said she "would have to be sacking him like I had to deal with Andrew Falloon".As a result, she wants to revamp the party's selection process."I have been very clear and the review that was undertaken for the board was very clear that our selection processes need to be more robust," Collins said.Collins was in Tauranga today as part of a visit to the Bay of Plenty electorate, flanked by Bay MP Todd Muller.Collins said "most of our candidates are brilliant," but the party needed to go back and talk to people not necessarily on the reference checklist."We have to up our game on it," she said."And understand that we live in a different world from when people know someone from school and they can talk about them."Jake Bezzant was approached for comment.Former Upper Harbour candidate Jake Bezzant. (Photo / Supplied)In light of National MP Nick Smith's retirement, which he announced on Monday, Collins refused to confirm or deny telling Smith of an imminent media story into his alleged bullying in the workplace, which he had cited as a reason for resigning."Any discussions I have with my MPs are entirely between us so I never discuss things like that. If I hear of a story that might affect an MP, I will always let them know. Because to not do so would be, I think, reprehensible."When asked if she thought whoever told him about the imminent media story might have unnecessarily pushed him into retirement, Collins responded, "I would have thought not"."I think the inquiry itself is something that's difficult for anybody to have to be the subject of that.Collins said Smith had indicated he was upset after losing the Nelson electorate seat after 30 years and was thinking of leaving during the term."I think you get to the stage after 30 years [and] 11 elections - you sit there and say 'am I enjoying this as much?' And the answer is probably no."I don't think people realise the sorts of hours and commitment it takes to be an effective member of parliament. And Nick has had 30 years of it."Nick Smith has been a National MP for 30 years. (Photo / Mark Mitchell)The veteran MP said he would leave Parliament on June 10, and revealed Parliamentary Service was investigating "a verbal altercation in my Wellington office last July that has not concluded".It is understood the altercation was with a young staff member who had worked there for less than a year prior to the incident.The verbal altercation - described to the New Zealand Herald as "angry words from both sides" - was recorded by a third party, who worked for the party in a nearby office and then laid a complaint with Parliamentary Services.Collins said the recording was "a breach of the law", and the person responsible no longer worked for Parliamentary Service and had "well and truly gone elsewhere"."It is quite clear from what I can see of the law is that it is illegal to record a conversation which you're not a party of or for which you don't have consent to do that."She said it was difficult to comment on because she did not know the full basis of the inquiry."I haven't seen the inquiry, haven't been briefed on it by Parliamentary Service."Collins said it was "entirely up to him" if Smith wanted to go back to work before he retired."If he wants to come back, I'm very happy for him to do so. If he doesn't want to come back, I'm perfectly happy with that too."

The person who recorded the row between outgoing National MP Nick Smith and a staffer no longer works at Parliament. After 30 years, Smith abruptly threw in the towel on his political career on Monday, citing the loss of the Nelson seat and a Parliamentary Service inquiry into a "verbal altercation" in his Wellington office last July. He was also under the impression details of that inquiry had been leaked and would hit the headlines on Tuesday, but no such story has appeared and it's not clear why he was told one would be coming. National leader Judith Collins has previously said a staff member of another MP recorded the spat and then made a complaint to the Parliamentary Service. She told reporter Sarah Robson Nick Smith is in good spirits.

National Party leader Judith Collins is refusing to confirm or deny having told MP Nick Smith of an imminent media story into his alleged bullying in the workplace, which he has cited as a reason for resigning.Smith on Monday said he would leave Parliament on June 10, revealing Parliamentary Service was investigating "a verbal altercation in my Wellington office last July that has not concluded".It is understood the altercation involving Smith was with a young staff member who had worked there for less than a year prior to the incident.Smith further divulged he was told on Friday the inquiry and its details had been leaked to media for release on Tuesday. No further details have been reported since.A Politik article claimed that Collins had told Smith on Friday that a media story would be published on Tuesday in relation to the complaint - which Collins has refused to confirm or deny."Any discussions that I had with Nick Smith, other than what I've already said, are entirely between Nick and me and I will not go down that track," she told RNZ this morning.National's woes continued today, as 2020 candidate Jake Bezzant has parted ways with the political party following explosive claims that he impersonated his ex-partner online, shared explicit photos and even pretended to be her during cyber sex.Bezzant's former partner, Tarryn Flintoft, has gone public with the claims in an hour-long podcast shared online this week.Bezzant, who unsuccessfully ran for the Upper Harbour seat last election, told the Herald there is no truth to the accusations.Listen above as Trish Sherson and Hayden Munro discuss the day's news with Heather du Plessis-Allan on The Huddle

Outgoing National MP Nick Smith appears to be giving Parliament a wide berth and it is not clear if he will return to serve out his notice. The MP is under investigation for a spat in his office last year. He resigned abruptly last night and will throw in the towel on a 30-year political career next week, citing the loss of the Nelson seat at the election and an Parliamentary Service inquiry into a "verbal altercation". Now his colleagues are denying any prior knowledge of the incident. Here's our political reporter, Katie Scotcher.

A one term MP who lost Whanganui for National at the last election, is on the way back.Harete Hipango will return to Parliament on the party list, to fill the seat left vacant by Nick Smith.The 30-year parliamentary veteran is quitting for personal reasons.Smith has revealed he's the subject of a Parliamentary Service inquiry into a verbal altercation with a staff member last July.Political commentator Ben Thomas told Kate Hawkesby the jury's out on whether it will benefit National.“Harete Hipango replaces him. She didn't cover herself in glory in her first term as an MP in the last term of government.”Nick Smith lost the Nelson seat at last year's election, which he'd held since 1996, and the Tasman seat for two terms before that.LISTEN ABOVE

Speaker Trevor Mallard has used the legal immunity of parliamentary privilege to say that a worker - who he apologised to for falsely accusing of rape - did commit sexual assault.In a debate in the House on Tuesday during the annual review of the Parliamentary Service, for which he is the responsible Minister, Mallard sought to paint himself as on the side of victims and the Opposition as not.This is despite admitting he has never spoken to the woman complainant at the centre of the saga.It has prompted National leader Judith Collins to call it "the most extraordinary display" by "the biggest bully I've ever seen in Parliament".It led to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern given Mallard a very public dressing down, saying his conduct in the House was "totally inappropriate".But she stopped short of heeding National and Act's call to sack Mallard as she said resignations would not resolve the underlying issues which led to last night's debate.She said the blame lay with everyone who participated in the session – "no one, last night, covered themselves in glory".Listen above as NZ Herald political reporter Jason Walls joins Francesca Rudkin to discuss this and the other news of the week

Public sector workers are feeling the burn of a pay freeze.The Government's announced those earning more than $60,000 will only get pay increases in "exceptional circumstances".Meanwhile, those topping $100,000 won't get any more in the next three years.Meanwhile, Speaker Trevor Mallard has used the legal immunity of parliamentary privilege to say that a worker - who he apologised to for falsely accusing of rape - had committed sexual assault.The issue flared again in the House last night.It came during a debate on the annual review of the Parliamentary Service, for which he is the responsible Minister.Mallard sought to paint himself as on the side of victims and the Opposition as not.This is despite admitting he has never spoken to the woman complainant at the centre of the saga.It prompted National leader Judith Collins to call it the most extraordinary display by the biggest bully she's ever seen in Parliament.Listen above as Clare de Lore and Jack Tame discuss the day's news with Heather du Plessis-Allan on The Huddle

OPINIONIf Trevor Mallard was hoping that appearing before the select committee today was going to make things better for himself, he misjudged that horribly. He has just made things a whole lot worse It turns out $330,000 is not the end of the Mallard clean-up bill us taxpayers are paying. We are in the gun for more. As we know, the $330,000 is for Mallard's legal bills and an ex-gratia payment to the man he accused of rape But the man might yet also be paid out by Parliamentary Services, his employer at the time of Mallard's allegation He's taken a claim – perhaps a personal grievance for the circumstances under which his employment ended Now already the taxpayer legal bill for dealing with THAT claim is $37,500.  We don't know if that's the end of the legal costs there.  So add that to the $330,000. Then there could be a pay out as well.  And the chances of that are high given that it is now in the public domain that Mallard has admitted to defaming the man.  The man's original claim was for $450,000, so this bill could be high. Again, add that to the $330,000. But what makes this worse, if that's even possible, is that Mallard did not admit there was more money due when he was asked about it. In my opinion, he misled the public with his answer. He was asked by Chris Bishop if there was “any further money to be paid”, and Mallard answered “there is no further money to be paid”. But then, just over a minute later, the chief executive of parliamentary services, Rafael Gonzalez-Montero admits “there is still a claim against the Parliamentary Service”. Michael Woodhouse asks: “Is the committee now hearing that $330,000 is not necessarily the end of the matter in terms of cost to the taxpayer?”Gonzalez-Montero answers “yes”.So, not only has the speaker used our money to tidy up his mistakes, but he's not been totally transparent about exactly how much money it's costing us. Mallard tried his hardest today to frame this as just a mistake, one that he is very sorry for and trying to make right, and tried to convince the public that he needs to stay in the job to finish his project of making parliament a safer place to work. Well, he should then lead by example and leave the building, because he is consistently exhibiting the exact kind of behaviour he claims to want to clear out.We can now add to his list of transgressions: attempting to mislead the public. He will continue to be problem for Labour, because now that the opposition and taxpayers know there is more of our money to be spent, we will be asking about it next year. So, as much as he's tried to kill off this story before Christmas, it now almost certainly will drag into the next year unless he does the dignified thing and leaves the job. 

I cannot go past Trevor Mallard's actions this morning. Maybe it's just me, but I find what he's done utterly appalling.It's bad enough to call a man a rapist, when he is not one. I can't think of many things worse than being called a rapist.Mallard than issues a personal apology on the very same day the inquiry into the mosque shootings are released.In effect, he was hiding under cover of the inquiry. He knew damn well what he was doing. It's a time honoured parliamentary trick. Covering bad news under a big story, it's cowardly and wrong.And at the same time Speaker Trevor Mallard was being sued for defamation, he changed the rules so other MPs could also be covered by the taxpayer without disclosing their dumb mistakes publicly.It has also now come to light that the rules for when MPs can claim legal costs when they're being sued were expanded by the Speaker in August so damages and settlements can come from the public purse.Those applications have to be signed off by the party leader, the Speaker and chief executive of Parliamentary Service. I find that absolutely appalling but I wonder if I'm one of the few.  People aren't generally interested in the machinations of government - but surely you would be interested if you thought taxpayers would end up covering the costs of MPs lack of caution and carelessness and arrogance, and inability to get things right.For years lawyers have been saying MP's need to be more responsible and accountable for what they say rather than hide behind parliamentary privilege and the taxpayers purse.  

At the same time Speaker Trevor Mallard was being sued for defamation, he changed the rules so other MPs could also have theirs covered by the taxpayer without disclosing it publicly.National and Act leaders yesterday said they no longer had confidence in the Speaker after he revealed he'd cost the taxpayer more than $330,600 settling a case after incorrectly calling a former Parliamentary staffer a rapist.It has also now come to light that the rules for when MPs can claim legal costs when they're being sued were expanded by the Speaker in August so damages and settlements can come from the public purse.Those applications have to be signed off by the party leader, the Speaker and chief executive of Parliamentary Service.It brings the rules for ordinary MPs in line with ministers; however, only ministers are subject to public disclosure rules under the Official Information Act. Other MPs and Parliamentary Services are exempt from having to disclose when legal costs are claimed.Mallard's case was handled by Deputy Speaker Anne Tolley and it was considered that because the Speaker is the Minister responsible for Parliamentary Services, the same rules should apply as for ministers.The process for Mallard's legal costs was signed off by Tolley rather than Cabinet.Former Attorney-General Chris Finlayson told The Weekend Collective that it doesn't seem that Mallard has done any harm here."Most of the work on this issue was done by the Anne Tolley, so I don't think that Mr Mallard altered the rules to suit himself."He says it would be helpful to clarify what Tolley's role was.On the ongoing issues, which has sparked calls for Mallard to go, Finlayson says that those calls from National and ACT are a "non-issue". "Labour's the majority in the House, and any vote of no confidence will be sort of ritualistic rubbish."He says that MPs can make comments under Parliamentary privilege, but any comments made outside of the Chamber leave the MP open to being sued. "I don't have a lot of patience for MPs who leave the Chamber and make all sorts of wild allegations against people. And if people sue them for defamation, then it's their bad luck."