The 44th session of the Cook islands parliament opens tomorrow with the government being criticised for its plans to spend more on its ministers.
Jason Brown reports.
"All members are expected to attend the first new ceremonial opening of parliament in 3 years. Outside of parliament, members are coming under increasing pressure, for wide reforms. Reform leaders from church, business, and traditional groups, have been increasingly forceful in their criticism. The latest controversy got undr way last week. Over a half million dollars increase in spending on ministers personal officers, officially known as ministerial support funds, spending total of $ 1.8 Million dollars NZ.. This is on top of $2.3 million dollars spent on parliaments 25 members, including a still secret amount spent on MP's travel bills."
Jason Brown, reporting from Rarotonga for RNZI.
