31 Jan 2014

PM happy with ministers' expenses

7:55 pm on 31 January 2014

Prime Minister John Key says he is happy with the level of credit card spending by his ministers and will not be reining them in.

John Key.

John Key. Photo: RNZ

Credit card statements for the last quarter of 2013 released on Friday show ministers spent just under $1 million on travel and accommodation during the period.

The highest spender continues to be Trade Minister Tim Groser, who put more than $16,000 on his credit card for accommodation and food on a two-week trip to attend trade meetings in Washington and Poland.

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce also features, spending just over $6800 during an extended trip to San Francisco to attend the America's Cup regatta in September.

The Prime Minister says ministers are very careful about what they put on their credit cards and generally get it right.

John Key expects the level of overseas travel to drop this year, as ministers stay closer to home for election year.