The Eastern European “Junket”

I’ve defended parliamentary overseas trips in the past.  In fact I advocate them quite strongly as desirable because many of the best ideas in relation to national issues, come from other countries and governments. MPs become better legislators and Ministers by having regular international perspectives.

But the trip detailed by Colin Espiner this morning is a bad look, and hard to defend. Having four out of five attendees retiring this year, and the fifth likely not to survive, significantly reduces the benefits of the trip – the MPs will not be around to use the experience and ideas they gain.

It is true that most other MPs may not want to go, as they will be campaigning.  But in that case serious consideration should have been given to cancelling the trip, and instead having an extra one in 2007 or 2009 instead. It really is hard to defend (as Helen Clark is doing) when 80% of them will retire in November. And Clark is wrong to say it is just diplomacy – it has always been about broadening the horizons and experiences of MPs just as much. If it is just diplomacy, the Speaker can attend by herself.

Marian Hobbs doesn’t help the case with this comment:

Hobbs said she was looking forward to the trip.

“I don’t know too much about the purpose. I think it’s about MMP. I’m not sure.”

Like I said, I am normally the last one to “perk bust” MPs – in fact I normally defend them. But again this is hard to defend as value for NZ.

Talking of perk busting, Audrey Young asks where is Rodney Hide when we need him!