Key softens on holiday perks

John Key says he would not oppose an inquiry into travel perks. Photo / Mark Mitchell

A review of the handsome taxpayer discounts for the overseas private holidays of MPs and ex-MPs moved a step closer yesterday with the National and Labour party leaders saying they would not stand in the way of one.

But neither is making the first move. The Greens are the only party promoting an inquiry.

Prime Minister John Key began the day yesterday hinting on TVNZ's Breakfast programme that he would expand the review into ministerial housing to include the overseas travel perk for ex-MPs and present MPs.

Talking about the discount on private overseas travel, Mr Key said there were "all sorts of different things that were done - probably pay to have a look around at them".

Yesterday afternoon he was saying he would not oppose an inquiry, "but at this point we are not leading the charge on that".

It was right for MPs to "front up to the areas where there is ambiguity or at least [where] the public is confused about why those expenses might be there".

"But equally it is also important that the MPs' perspective is put into the debate."

Labour leader Phil Goff said: "I'm happy for a review to look at whatever the Prime Minister feels is appropriate."

But overwhelmingly for most MPs, their travel budgets were applied to their work, he said.

An inquiry would need to have the approval of Speaker Lockwood Smith, who is advised in such matters by the cross-party Parliamentary Service Commission, which meets later this month.

Separate to ministerial travel or MPs travelling on parliamentary business, the holiday travel perk applies to sitting and past MPs but no figures are released on the numbers accessing it or the cost to the taxpayer.

After a term in Parliament MPs qualify for 25 per cent discount on any trip anywhere, and work their way up to a 90 per cent discount after four terms.

Ex-MPs get between 50 per cent and 90 per cent discount depending on their service.

It is being great-great-great grandfathered out. Ex-MPs who were elected after 1999 will not get it after they retire, though they can get it as sitting MPs.

Meanwhile, Mr Goff yesterday took issue with claims by his own MP Chris Carter that the news media had focused on Mr Carter because he was gay and was the subject of a prurient interest in him taking his spouse with him.

Mr Goff suggested it was more about the media wanting balance.

"They had a fair go at [Finance Minister] Bill English about his housing allowance; they wanted to have a look at one of the people who travelled more than most."