MP proposes code of ethics for colleagues

Worried that respect for MPs is eroding and that behaviour in the debating chamber is one of the reasons, Labour MP Ross Robertson is making another attempt to introduce a code of ethics in Parliament.

The Manukau East MP said today polls consistently showed people trusted politicians even less than real estate agents and car salesmen.

"I believe that the code of ethics will be an important step in winning back the respect that Parliament and its members should enjoy," he said.

"This is the third attempt I have made to introduce it to Parliament. If it is rejected or ignored yet again, I fear that public perceptions about Parliament's failure to commit to taking measures to increase its standing will further damage its reputation."

Mr Robertson, who is one of Parliament's Assistant Speakers, said he had drafted a behaviour code which was deliberately modest.

"There is no evidence of the sort of corruption that has plagued other parliaments from time to time," he said.

"It is based closely on the existing United Kingdom code."

He said it set out general principles for MPs to observe in their conduct, and one section focused specifically on conduct in the debating chamber.

"The chamber is a very public place and the focal point where perceptions about Parliament are formed," he said.

Mr Robertson is going to present his code to Parliament's standing orders committee when it next meets.

The cross-party committee is responsible for setting and amending Parliament's rules.

Mr Robertson's previous attempts to introduce a code have not been widely supported, and were ignored.

- NZPA