Richard Worth MP
National Party Justice Spokesman

18 February 2004

Oaths and affirmations - the march to republicanism

"The Government needs to make its agenda clear in respect of the review of oaths and affirmations. There is growing suspicion that it is another step in the march to republicanism," says National Party Justice spokesman Richard Worth.

"The removal of old and archaic language from the wording of oaths and affirmations is one thing, but Mr Goff is signalling that an opportunity may also be taken to remove references to the Queen in such oaths.

"He needs to be reminded that she is not only the Head of the Commonwealth but Queen of New Zealand.

"I believe the Government has embarked on a strategy of republicanism by stealth. Here are a few examples:

* The revamping of the Honours system
* The abolition of the Privy Council
* Clamour from some Labour politicians to scrap the parliamentary prayer which refers to the Queen
* The plan to abolish Queen's Counsel in the Lawyers & Conveyancers Bill
* The decision not to award the Queen's Golden Jubilee medal to New Zealanders."

Ends

© Scoop Media