What the Speaker says

The Speaker recommends four things:

1) Validating Legislation (even if all paid back)

2) Reimbursement – Wilson says it is not normally required but in this case must be “considered seriously” to maintain public confidence in Parliament.

3) Fix Up Parliamentary Service Processes

4) Temporary legislation to define better what expenditure is legal

She doesn’t accept all the legal advice on which the Auditor-General based his opinion, but accepts his conclusions.

The next key date is Thursday next week when Wilson will report back to the House which parties have agreed to pay the money back!