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Heatley investigation coming to a close - PM

Prime Minister John Key has suggested an inquiry into ministerial spending by National MP Phil Heatley may be coming to a close.Mr Heatley, who quit his housing and fisheries portfolios last month after admitting he misused his card, was then subject to a

NZPA
Mon, 29 Mar 2010

Prime Minister John Key has suggested an inquiry into ministerial spending by National MP Phil Heatley may be coming to a close.

Mr Heatley, who quit his housing and fisheries portfolios last month after admitting he misused his card, was then subject to an investigation by the Auditor-General's office.

Mr Key told reporters at a post-Cabinet press conference today that he understood a draft report on the outcome may be complete.

"I haven't had any discussions directly with Mr Heatley. I understand he has either had, or is having, some dialogue, because as part of natural justice he has to be given a copy of that report."

He said the Government was not a party in the process and expected the report would be tabled in Parliament in the "foreseeable future".

The Auditor-General's office was asked to audit the relevant expenditure incurred by Mr Heatley's ministerial office under Vote Ministerial Services from when he became a minister in November 2008 until late February.

He quit his portfolio after admitting to signing an inaccurate return involving an apparent dinner with his wife when the money had been spent on bottles of wine at a National Party function.

Mr Heatley was not immediately available for comment tonight.

NZPA
Mon, 29 Mar 2010
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Heatley investigation coming to a close - PM
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