Someone should have the guts to sort out these MP perks - Heather du Plessis-Allan

Newstalk ZB host Heather du Plessis-Allan is calling for a courageous overhaul of parliamentary perks, arguing that the current system makes MPs appear undeserving of public trust. She contends that ending these "largesse" is in the best interest of all elected officials, as it currently tarnishes their public image.

Du Plessis-Allan points to the taxpayer-funded superannuation contributions as a prime example of excessive perks. She notes that Labour leader Chris Hipkins, like all Members of Parliament, is eligible to receive up to $62,000 annually under the existing scheme. This significant sum, she implies, is a substantial benefit that fuels public discontent.

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Someone in Parliament should have the courage to sort out these MP perks.

She urges that someone within Parliament must take the initiative to reform these benefits. The columnist for the Herald on Sunday believes that while it might be politically challenging, addressing these perks is essential for restoring public faith in politicians. The current situation, she suggests, is unsustainable and detrimental to the reputation of Parliament as a whole.

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It’s in the interests of all of them to end the largesse. It makes them all look bad.