New date for election advertising report

Next Thursday 12 October is the new date set for the Controller and Auditor-General's report to Parliament on his inquiry into advertising expenditure in the three months before the 2005 General Election.

The report is ready for tabling. However, the Auditor-General Kevin Brady has decided to exercise his powers under the Controller function to direct the Speaker of the House of Representatives (the Speaker) to report to Parliament.

The direction is issued to the Speaker in her capacity as the Minister responsible for the Parliamentary Service, which is the department that incurred the advertising expenditure central to the Auditor-General's inquiry.

"The Speaker has 20 working days to respond to my direction and report to Parliament," Mr Brady said.

"The Speaker has advised me that she wants to report as soon as possible on this matter. We have agreed that it is preferable for both reports to be tabled at the same time. This is planned for Thursday."

Contact for enquiries:

Lynley Jenkins, tel: +64 4 917 1500

Footnote to journalists: The Auditor-General has decided to adhere to his standard practice of not commenting on reports he presents to Parliament. He will not be available for media interviews about this report. A link to the report on our website (www.oag.govt.nz) will be sent to website subscribers as soon as the report is formally tabled.