Project discussion: Repeal Mps Travel Rort
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Members of Parliament (Remuneration and Services) (Repeal of Travel Entitlements of Former Members of Parliament) Amendment Bill
Member's Bill
Explanatory Note
The Members of Parliament (Remuneration and Services) Act 2013 provides for former Members of Parliament first elected before 1999 to enjoy subsidies of up to 90% on domestic and international travel. The perk was supposedly justified because MPs didn't get a pay rise sometime in the early 1970's, and were compensated instead with a post-retirement travel allowance. But the vast majority of current beneficiaries of the perk were not in Parliament at that time and never suffered the "loss" that justified it. It was never part of their conditions of employment or any implied contract between them and Parliament. The subsequent above-inflation increases in Parliamentary salaries only add to the inconsistency.
The travel perk was cut off to new members in 1999, and entitlements closed off after 2008. Former MPs have now had 21 years since then in which to enjoy it. That is more than sufficient compensation for any "loss" their parliamentary predecessors might once have suffered. It is time to repeal it.
This bill repeals the travel entitlements of former members of Parliament. Travel entitlements of former Prime Ministers are unaffected.
Clause by clause analysis
Clause 1 is the Title provision.
Clause 2 provides for the Bill to come into force on the day after the date on which it receives the Royal assent.
Clause 3 defines the Principal Act as the Members of Parliament (Remuneration and Services) Act 2013.
Clause 4 repeals sections 39 to 42 of the Principal Act, which provide for travel entitlements for former members of Parliament. It also repeals the cross-heading above them.
Clause 5 repeals Schedule 2 of the Principal Act, which provides detailed rules for travel entitlements.
Members of Parliament (Remuneration and Services) (Repeal of Travel Entitlements of Former Members of Parliament) Amendment Bill
The Parliament of New Zealand enacts as follows:
1. Title
This Act is the Members of Parliament (Remuneration and Services) (Repeal of Travel Entitlements of Former Members of Parliament) Amendment Act 2021.
2. Commencement
This Act comes into force on the day after the date on which it receives the Royal assent.
3. Principal Act Amended
This Act amends the Members of Parliament (Remuneration and Services) Act 2013.
4. Sections 39 to 42 and cross-heading above section 39 repealed
Sections 39 to 42 and the cross-heading above section 39 are repealed.
5. Schedule 2 repealed
Schedule 2 is repealed.
