Key goes in to bat for Fraser

The way Television New Zealand's board treated former network head Ian Fraser is "outrageous" and has implications for other parliamentary inquiries, says National MP John Key.

Mr Fraser was stripped of his remaining duties by the TVNZ board as a result of comments he made to a parliamentary committee about his resignation.

Mr Key said yesterday that the punishment was "simply outrageous" and could not be allowed to stand.

"TVNZ's dual objectives of profit and charter obligations were clearly failing. Ian Fraser was speaking out about that and he shouldn't be punished for it."

Mr Key has written to the Clerk of the House, David McGee, asking for a ruling.

Mr Key said he was concerned at the message the board's actions would send other public servants "about the dangers of appearances before parliamentary select committees".

"In my view, this behaviour by the board directly challenges the governance responsibilities Parliament has for Government activities and has the potential to make a mockery of future parliamentary inquiries."

Mr Fraser, who is serving out six months' notice on about $300,000, is considering a personal grievance case against the board, which he believes has breached parliamentary privilege.

Mr Fraser said to the committee that the board held secret "bitch sessions" and insinuated that director John Goulter leaked information to the news media to "destabilise" him and news chief Bill Ralston.

Mr Goulter has denied the claims.

- NZPA