Constituency allowance review delayed

A report examining whetherNewfoundland and Labrador should revamp its system of compensating politicianswill not be ready until January.

In a statement, Chief Justice Derek Green said he was not able to complete a review by his original target of November.

"It has now become apparent that the matters that I feel are necessary to report on are broader and more involved than first anticipated," Green said.

Premier Danny Williams appointed Green to undertake the review in June, days after Auditor General John Noseworthy began releasing reports showing allegations of misspending of constituency allowances.

The scandal caused Ed Byrne to quit his job as natural resources minister. Also named in Noseworthy's subsequent reports were New Democrat Randy Collins, Liberal Wally Andersen and former Liberal MHA Jim Walsh.

Green, chief justice ofthe Newfoundland Supreme Court's trial division,was asked to determine whether constituency allowances— tax-free payments paid to politicians to pay for offices, brochures and other expenses— are still appropriate.

Green is reviewing compensation for politicians, including benefits and pensions, and will also make recommendations on "financial management and controls" at the legislature.

Green said he expected to finish his report by Jan. 31.