Tighter rules for MPs' interests recommended

File photo / Brenda Dodunski

Rules around politicians declaring their pecuniary interests are set to be tightened, including a wider declaration of trusts.

A review of the pecuniary interests register was considering changes to provide clarification and improvement in the system requiring MPs to report their interests.

Registrar Dame Margaret Bazley yesterday told Parliament's standing orders committee MPs had an increased understanding of the importance of the register.

She recommended a catch-all category be established for MPs' affairs that did not fit into specific categories.

There must also be clarification over whether interests in non-trading companies and jointly-held Maori land should be declared, Dame Margaret said.

There have been ongoing difficulties with MPs' interpretations of their requirements when reporting interests in trusts.

"Members have raised numerous issues with me regarding trusts and have occasionally sought independent legal advice," Dame Margaret said.

She recommended MPs be expected to declare every trust of which they are aware, or should have been aware, that they are a beneficiary.

Finance Minister Bill English was criticised for not reporting he had a pecuniary interest in his family's Wellington home, which is owned by a family trust. Under the current rules he was not required to report it.

Attorney-General Chris Finlayson came under question by the opposition for not declaring he was a director and shareholder of Te Puhi Trust (2) Ltd and had been a director of the Diana Bremner Trust.

Mr Finlayson said he had not listed the trusts because he did not have an interest. The register has been amended to show the trusts.

The area of shares held by MPs also needed clarification, currently they must declare shares held on the day they report to the register.

Dame Margaret also recommended MPs be required to disclose the reimbursement of legal fees by Parliamentary Services. Although she said the pecuniary interests register was not the correct place for that to occur.

"I supported the Speaker's suggestion that he may in future publish these payments as part of members' expenses as this seems to be the best and clearest way of making this information public."

- NZPA