Thanks to the Standard for pulling out the Auditor – Generals’ 2001 report on the method of determining where a primary residence is:
(a) the extent of the MP’s parliamentary duties, and the amount of non-parliamentary time available to the MP to return “home”;
(b) the locations where the MP spends most of that non- parliamentary time;
(c) the locations where the MP’s current spouse or partner and family live, and where other dependent family members usually live (including where they spend most time, work, or attend school);
(d) the person in whose name (whether the MP, the MP’s spouse or partner, or some other individual or legal entity) each property is owned or rented, and the utilities (e.g., electricity, telephone) are supplied;
(e) the level of the MP’s financial commitment to meeting the financial outgoings on each residence, including property maintenance;
(f) the type of accommodation available to the MP at each residence (e.g., boarding, flatting, or full occupation), and who else lives there (other than the MP’s family);
(g) the availability of each residence for use by the MP at any time (e.g., whether it is rented out in periods of absence);
(h) the nature and extent of the MP’s ties to each local community in which he or she has a residence;
(i) the residence where the MP intends or expects to live should he or she cease to be an MP;
(j) the residence where the MP and members of his or her family are registered for electoral purposes; and
(k) for electorate MPs, the location of the electorate.
This story has a way to go yet.
[Trolling, deleted - admin]
So, Mr English would claim points h, i, j, and k justify him in claiming Dipton as his primary residence. Points a to g would argue for a primary residence in Wellington.
So I guess the validity of the point h and i will be the main ground for any argument. Therefore, how tied is Mr English to the Dipton community, and once he leaves parliament, will Mr English return to the Clutha-Southland electorate?
Remind me, who finally adjudicates matters like this, the Speaker? Because the Speaker has already supported Mr English’s point of view on this.
Auditor General
Thank you.
In that case, I guess this story still does have some way to go.
This story has a way to go yet.
No it doesn’t.
The Auditor General better get off his behind and investigate. It has been 8 years since this report was written and clearly there are some ‘perceived’ loopholes, at least in the minds of MPs like the Dipton Dipper.
Even on points like i, English has a problem. If he has school aged kids when he is no longer an MP, there is no way he would go back to Dipton. There are no private schools in Dipton.
If English gets away with changing trusts and redefining his residence between Companies Office records and electoral records all to take an extra $50,000 from taxpayers, then he is one lucky guy.
danyl – yes it does
‘This isn’t an argument’
‘yes it is’
‘no, an argument isn’t the simple gainsaying of whatever the other person says’
‘yes it is’
Axis – agreed. If the last AG took it upon themselves to investigate, can’t see why Kevin Brady wouldn’t.
There are some pretty serious issues here that need to be cleared up. My prediction is that before long, the media will claim Bill’s scalp over this.
[The moderation policy has been stated clearly Graham. Avoid personal abuse and stay on topic. Final warning - admin]
Smokie said:
“If the last AG took it upon themselves to investigate, can’t see why Kevin Brady wouldn’t”.
One good reason is that Kevin Brady is about to leave the AG role. It was announced in the Dom-Post (Monday, I think) that his successor has been announced. She is Lynn Provost, who is currently Deputy Commissioner of Police (civilian role).
It’s perhaps a good topic for her to get her teeth into when she takes over. There’s certainly too much wriggle room currently (for Lowly Worms) so definitely needs clarifying and tightening up.
their was no personal abuse. as i said all you are doing is editing anyone who dosnt sing from the same song sheet.whats the point in doing that
[Moderation isn't based on that at all graham. A quick look over the comments over the last week or so will confirm that. Again, trolling, off-topic comments and personal abuse won't be tolerated - admin]
i didnt abuse anyone you brought up bill english cant you see their are more than one mp in parliment and dont you think the public know that.although national people are willing to express their disgust to bill and even bill to front up.mps on the other side are hideing . if thats abuse what do you guys do in parliment assult people
[Make this your last post about the moderation policy here Graham - admin]
[...] Bill English in so much trouble in the House.