More DBP lies

David Benson-Pope seems to be subscribing to the school of thought which is “Why tell the truth, when a lie will suffice?”

Last week he cowered away from the House, and said it was because he did not think there would be any questions for him – a claim not even a moron would believe.

And now this week he is still cowering away, so timid and scared that he can’t even face a select committee. And his reason for not fronting up is because he claims it is the Chief Executive’s job.

As G-Man has pointed out, it is not just normal practice for the Minister and the Chief Executive to front up, it is almost unheard of for the Minister not to be there.

UPDATE: Some readers have made the point, which is not unreasonable, that when it is a financial review, not an estimate, it is less common for a Minister to attend. Standing Orders do not clarify that this is the case. Of course DBP could still choose to front and get the issue dealt with. Instead I am sure his Chief Exec will just have to fend off all the questions by themselves on his behalf.

UPDATE2: The Dominion Post reports that Benson-Pope’s predecessor, Steve Maharey, did attend the Select Committee with his Chief Executive for two of the last three times.