16 November 2001

Media Release

LABOUR ADMIT THEY BOTCHED UP ELECTORAL BILL—ONE DAY AFTER PASSING IT!

New Zealand First Deputy Leader, Peter Brown, is astonished that Labour MP Tim Barnett on the Kim Hill show, has admitted the Government will need to amend an amendment to the Electoral Act—less than a day after passing it.

“I am astounded with the hap-hazard manner in which the Government has treated this Bill. We have seen botch-up compounding upon botch-up and this is the result,” said Mr Brown.

“Over a third of the Bill was in the form of amendments presented to the House at the last minute by the minister, Margaret Wilson.

“In the end the Bill is a hodge podge of amendments that are the result of making policy on the hoof—again. The Bill as it was virtually passed last night contains all the last minute amendments and add-ons—none of which were referred to the Select Committee. Worst still, the Bill was passed with the casting vote of the Greens, who had no input because they refused to take a call, but never the less voted for the Bill.

“This is a total disgrace. The procedure not only undermines MMP, it undermines the democratic process itself. The Green Party members in particular should be hanging their heads in shame,” concluded Mr Brown.

ENDS

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