TVNZ board faces grilling over Fraser

Ian Fraser

The board of Television New Zealand will have to answer to Parliament's privileges committee over its treatment of former TVNZ chief executive Ian Fraser.

Speaker Margaret Wilson decided yesterday there was a case to answer - a decision National's John Key applauded as a victory for parliamentary democracy and accountability.

The board accused Mr Fraser of "serious misconduct" and stripped him of any remaining duties during his last months of work because of remarks he made at Parliament's finance and expenditure committee's inquiry into TVNZ.

Its actions raised concerns the board could have committed a contempt of Parliament because it punished Mr Fraser for his comments to the committee - comments which are protected by parliamentary privilege.

Ms Wilson said yesterday she had received letters from Mr Key and Labour MP Shane Jones, who chairs the finance and expenditure committee, about the action by TVNZ.

It was apparent TVNZ had acknowledged its actions could be interpreted as a contempt "and has apologised for not considering this aspect of its action".

Mr Fraser had reiterated his intention to pursue a personal grievance against TVNZ despite its apology but Ms Wilson said that was not a matter which concerned her as Speaker.

She said that often in cases where a contempt had been acknowledged and apologised for the Speaker would decide to take the matter no further.

"However, in this case, despite TVNZ's acknowledgment of error, I think a general question of the status of select committee witnesses does arise that warrants the attention of the House," Ms Wilson said.

"Consequently, I rule that a question of privilege does arise from the action taken by TVNZ in relation to its chief executive following evidence he gave to the finance and expenditure select committee."

Mr Key said the fact the board had withdrawn its accusations against Mr Fraser did not excuse its actions.

"The board's reaction should send a chill down the spine of every MP and anyone else who cares about public accountability," he said.

- NZPA