Lockwood Smith defends MPs' housing allowances

Parliament's Speaker Lockwood Smith defended the use of housing allowances by politicians when he appeared on TVNZ's Q&A programme today. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Parliament's Speaker has come out swinging on the issue of MPs' expenses.

Lockwood Smith has defended the use of housing allowances and out of pocket petty cash by politicians.

He has told TVNZ's Q&A programme they are the best way to compensate people doing a unique job.

Dr Smith says people in the media who seem to think MPs are on the pig's back can always try the lifestyle for themselves.

He says a few have had a go recently, and found it to be much tougher than they expected.

Dr Smith also supports the cheap international travel perk offered to long-term MPs.

He says it is the only benefit a long-serving member of Parliament has over someone who has just been elected.

- NEWSTALK ZB