National
Party Leader Don Brash says MP Nick Smith has his "100%
support" as he faces contempt proceedings in the High Court
at Wellington tomorrow. "It is clear that in taking the
steps which have prompted this proceeding, Nick Smith was
acting, in good faith, to advance the affairs of a
distraught constituent.
"It is equally clear that the
actions of the Family Court in dealing with this matter
warrant some scrutiny. "I am deeply troubled that a Member
of Parliament could, in these circumstances, find himself
facing serious charges in the High Court with potentially
serious consequences," says Dr Brash.
"It is fortuitous
that this very week Muriel Newman's Family Court (Open
Proceedings) Bill was drawn in the ballot on Thursday.
National will be supporting the introduction of this
legislation for the reasons so aptly illustrated by Nick
Smith's case," says Dr Brash.
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