14 May 2002

Cosgrove Bill now adopted as Government Bill

Waimakariri Labour Member of Parliament Clayton Cosgrove’s Land Transport (Street & Illegal Drag Racing) Amendment Bill was today adopted as a Government Bill.

Mr Cosgrove announced earlier today that he intended to seek leave tomorrow to have his Bill introduced, read for a first time and referred to a select committee for proper scrutiny and to hear submissons.

This afternoon in the Parliament, Hon Dr Michael Cullen, Leader of the House, sought leave to introduce the Bill, have it read for a first time and referred to the Law and Order Select Committee as a Government Bill in the name of Hon Mark Gosche, Minister of Transport. The leave was supported and the Select Committee is due to report back to the House on 10 July 2002.

“I am delighted that this important piece of legislation has been introduced to the Parliament with the added force of being a Government Bill. Recent events dictate that illegal drag racing on our roads is an extremely dangerous activity that needs to be stopped. When you have people being intimidated, injured or tragically killed and, as in recent days, shot at as a result of this activity, it brings it home how urgent it is to get some effective legislation through the Parliament,” Mr Cosgrove said.

Mr Cosgrove also paid tribute to Members on all sides of the House for supporting the leave.

“I am very pleased that politics was put aside for this Bill to be introduced. This is an indication that Members from all parties can support important legislation such as this, without worrying about which party it comes from. This should also reassure the public that politicians can do the right thing for all New Zealanders.”

“It is heartening to see the political maturity we can all muster if the need is great enough. This Bill is a good first step to reclaiming our roads for everybody which is after all a key function of good government.” Mr Cosgrove said.

ENDS

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