ACT Has The Answer

ACT New Zealand Deputy Leader Ken Shirley today delivered the keynote address to the 6^th Annual Public Law Forum, where he outlined a framework to solve the country's current foreshore and seabed impasse.

"This framework would benefit all parties concerned, and is guided by the ACT Party's deeply held philosophical beliefs and the sanctity of clear unambiguous property rights," Mr Shirley said.

"We envision a policy that would, above all things, support the rule of law. The courts are, in principle, the proper place where property right disputes are heard and where rulings should be made. The integrity of our courts must be upheld at all times, and it is essential that they act impartially and apply proper rules of evidence.

"Regrettably, the alignment that has occurred between the Maori Land Court and the Waitangi Tribunal raises serious issues of judicial credibility.

"ACT's policy would also ensure that where the Government expropriates an established property right in the wider public interest, it would follow due process on consent and compensation issues.

"The Labour Government's duplicitous dithering has greatly exacerbated this debate - which has now emerged as the defining political issue of the day.

"It is my view - and the view of the ACT Party - that we are more likely to achieve an enduring and harmonious outcome by working through the process on a principled basis, rather than Government selecting a particular outcome, which inevitably will not be universally agreed on," Mr Shirley said.

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