Former transport ministry boss Martin Matthews has received the thumbs-up from MPs to be the next controller and auditor-general. Three days after Matthews’ replacement Peter Mersi officially took over in July, news broke that high-ranking ministry staffer Joanne Harrison had fleeced taxpayers of about $723,000 and left the country. This week, a former senior Ministry of Transport manager voiced surprise that MPs recommended Matthews for the new role, considering Harrison’s court case was still not finished. But Speaker of the House David Carter said Matthews handled the Harrison case commendably, and Matthews also responded to questions. READ MORE:Ministry of Transport fraudster Joanne Harrison admits crimesJoanne Harrison makes first appearance on MoT fraud chargesJoanne Harrison arrested, charged with defrauding MinistryDid fraud suspect Joanne Harrison approve her own leave then flee NZ?Ministry of Transport staffer stood down, accused of stealing $750,000 “I uncovered the fraud, investigated it thoroughly and did all of the things necessary to help ensure the Crown could take a successful prosecution,” Matthews said. He acknowledged a person he appointed ended up committing the fraud but added: “The point I would make is that anybody who’s dealt with people who commit these crimes is they are typically quite sophisticated. “We all wished it hadn’t happened, but I’m very confident…