National echoes call for Local Govt Bill delay

The National Party’s backing a call to delay the passage of the Local Government Bill to allow for “principled discussions” so the community can form a “durable consensus”.

“Warnings from groups like the Local Government Forum, which describe the rush to pass this Bill as absurd, should be listened to,” says the National Party’s Local Government spokesman Gerry Brownlee.

“The National Party agrees this Bill is a major constitutional change, which neither the public nor politicians will get the chance to debate properly.

“Many politicians haven’t or won’t even get the chance to properly digest the 734 pages of the Bill and its many amendments before it’s back in front of the house,” says Mr Brownlee.

“The Bill’s likely to have its second reading late tomorrow.

"Unless the United Party and the Greens see some sense and vote against it, it could be law by the end of the week.

“The irony is that many councillors throughout the country are only now starting to wake up to the cost implications the new legislation will have on them and their ratepayers.

“I’m challenging the Government to take up the call from the Local Government Forum and delay this Bill until everyone’s had a chance to weigh up the pros and cons,” Mr Brownlee says.

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