Bill English MP
National Party Deputy Leader

13 April 2007

Secrecy on election laws anti-democratic

National Party Deputy Leader Bill English says Labour should stop the "shadow boxing" and put its secret plans for election spending reform on the table.

"For more than a week now, Labour has been shuffling its feet on what may or may not be in the bill which it says will be tabled in Parliament by June. If Labour is confident its proposals are 'fair and transparent' then it's time for them to come clean with the public.

Mr English is delighted that the trade union movement has today been forced to defend the right of third parties to express a political opinion during election campaigns.

"Ross Wilson's statement today that ordinary working people do have a right to use the democratic system to advance their interests is a welcome addition to the debate indeed.

"However, I am disappointed that Mr Wilson goes on to reinforce Labour's plan of privileged rights for unions by implying that anyone who takes part in the democratic process only does so to rort the system.

"I would hope the CTU will defend to the death the democratic rights of all New Zealanders and distance itself from Labour's plan for special union privileges during election campaigns.

"National supports fair, open, and transparent reform with support from more than just a slim majority of Parliament.

"After Labour was caught out by the pledge card fiasco, most New Zealanders assumed that Parliament would adopt clear rules that everyone understood and accepted. That's what Helen Clark said at the time.

"But so far, Labour's arrogant 'us and them' approach can give the public no confidence that will be the outcome."

ENDS

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