Greens give warning

The debacle surrounding Winston Peters' alcohol ban bill has reinforced the Greens' determination to oppose the passage of legislation that ignores fundamental rules of common sense and democratic process, Green Party Co-leader Rod Donald said today.

"Any accusation that we could have fixed up this appalling piece of legislation misses the point that it shouldn't have been rammed through in the first place," Mr Donald said.

"The Government hadn't even seen the wording of the Peters bill when it agreed to support it through all stages under urgency, while we had just one hour to scrutinise it before it was tabled."

Urgency should only be used for matters which are genuinely urgent," said Mr Donald. "The only exception is that from time to time we have considered - and will continue to consider - approaches for extra sitting hours, and then only for one stage of a bill at a time.

"The Peters' bill is a perfect example of why select committee scrutiny is vital."

ENDS

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