Bill English MP
National Party Deputy Leader

5 April 2007

Labour should reveal all on electoral reform

National Party Deputy Leader Bill English says Michael Cullen is displaying Labour's utter contempt for the public of New Zealand with his determination to ram through significant electoral reform by a slim parliamentary majority.

"Dr Cullen has today confirmed that Labour is ready with 'a clear choice', which is being put forward by Justice Minister Mark Burton. But it is telling that they have not yet officially revealed to the public how much further they plan to dig into taxpayers' pockets to fund their election campaigns.

"Labour has no plans to seek political consensus. Helen Clark hasn't even paid back the $800,000 Labour illegally spent at the last election, but she is already planning new legislation so she can pay for her next campaign.

"Labour claims to be trying to repay the taxpayer with one hand, yet is planning to pilfer more from the public purse with the other.

"The public are already deeply cynical about Labour's arrogance in light of its heavy-handed approach to the anti-smacking legislation. Electoral reforms that help Helen Clark pay her bills will be greeted with fury.

"National is keen to see the rules changed to make sure taxpayers' money can't be abused and to ensure a fair regime for the many New Zealanders who do want to participate in the democratic process.

"But National believes significant changes to our electoral system should have broad political support."

ENDS

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