KEY POINTS:
MPs have heaped praise on the outgoing Clerk of the House, David McGee, while approving his appointment as an Ombudsman.
All MPs endorsed Mr McGee's taking up the job as the third Ombudsman after his 34 years working in Parliament and 22 years as its top official.
Leader of the House Michael Cullen said since Mr McGee had written the book Parliamentary Practice in New Zealand, he had been recognised as the foremost authority on the subject.
His long service had been marked by his calm professionalism, Dr Cullen said.
National Party deputy leader Bill English endorsed Dr Cullen's comments and noted Mr McGee had served under eight Speakers, offering "polite direction" to all of them.
Mr McGee has said that after being Clerk for 22 years he wanted a fresh challenge before he got "past it".
The major change had been the transition to MMP. Parliament had changed "immensely" as a result, with outcomes becoming less predictable and with more diverse points of view being heard.
The State Services Commission has begun the process to find Mr McGee's replacement.
He takes up his new role on November 19. The appointment is for a five-year term.
The Office of the Ombudsmen acts as a watchdog to ensure the machinery of government operates fairly and reasonably.
It looks at complaints from the public about decisions by Government agencies, reviews decisions to decline Official Information Act requests, and provides guidance to whistleblowers.
- NZPA
