Small Parties 'Wag The Dog' On Microchipping

Heather Roy
Wednesday, 21 June 2006
Press Releases - Other

ACT MP Heather Roy describes this evening's Parliamentary defeat for Labour, with working dogs set to be exempted from compulsory microchipping, as a victory for small parties acting together.

"Every MP's vote counted when David Carter's amendment to exempt working dogs came before the House", Mrs Roy said.

"The amendment was supported by ACT, the Maori Party, United Future and four of the Greens.

"National deserves their victory for bringing together parties from across the House, and this should serve as a reminder that under MMP the two large parties cannot take their 'small party' colleagues for granted.

"ACT is the only party to have opposed all compulsory microchipping from the start, and it's a relief that MPs have agreed on at least a partial exemption.

"Small is beautiful, but there is strength in unity. I am hopeful that small parties can keep working together on other issues.

"This shows that nothing is absolutely certain under a minority government.

"We might be a small tail, but tonight we're managing to wag the dog", Mrs Roy said.

ENDS

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