Finance and Expenditure Committee


The Finance and Expenditure Committee is a select committee of the House of Representatives, the unicameral chamber of the New Zealand Parliament, responsible for matters relating to the audit of the financial statements of the Government and departments, Government finance, revenue, and taxation. The committee is currently established by Standing Order 188.

History

Following a reform of the former Public Accounts Committee in 1962, the Public Expenditure Committee was established and became the most influential parliamentary committee in New Zealand, establishing "a strong reputation for itself, principally because it enjoyed powers of investigation not granted to other committees and because it attracted able and ambitious members. It was the only committee able to set up its own inquiries, had subcommittees chaired by opposition members, and enjoyed the support of staff from the Legislative department as well as the Audit Office."

Jurisdiction

This committee looks at business related to economic and fiscal policy, taxation, revenue, banking and finance, superannuation, insurance, Government expenditure and financial performance, and public audit.

Ministers answerable

The wide scope of the committee's oversight means a number of government ministers are answerable to the committee. The table below lists them, and their position:
MinisterPortfolio
Hon. Grant RobertsonMinister of Finance
Hon. Stuart NashMinister of Revenue
Hon. Carmel SepuloniMinister of Social Development
Hon. Tracey MartinMinister for Seniors

Membership, 52nd Parliament

The following table lists the membership of the committee during the 52nd Parliament: