Iain Rennie

Wellington, June 29 NZPA - Public service chief executives will face the same scrutiny as government ministers when their credit cards spending and other expenses are released to media.

A spokesman for the State Services Commission confirmed to NZPA that in a few weeks the past two years of credit card records for the heads of government departments would be released. After that releases would be quarterly and include hospitality and gifts.

"The idea is to bring us in line with overseas jurisdictions, particularly the Canadians and the UK, where this sort of information is published regularly," he said.

Prime Minister John Key said he had discussed the plan with State Services Commissioner Iain Rennie.

"I supported that view and I think it's in line with the greater transparency we expect now from Cabinet ministers, from Members of Parliament, and I think it should flow on to chief executives."