Govt’s ‘consultation’ on MMP non-existent

The claim by John Key and Judith Collins that they tried to reach consensus with political parties on changes to MMP is completely untrue, says Labour Leader David Shearer.

“Judith Collins has claimed that she ‘consulted’ with political parties but was unable to reach consensus. There was absolutely no consultation. 

“I wrote to John Key and Judith Collins last year offering to work with them on MMP reform. I even asked them to come back to me with a timetable for meetings to progress the issue.

“All I got back was a form letter asking for our views (which I’d already given them) and then deathly silence until yesterday when they announced all attempts to reach consensus were dead in the water.

“This Government is arrogantly ignoring what New Zealanders want because it’s politically inconvenient for National. There’s no way they were ever going to get rid of the coat-tails clause because they want to protect their political prop John Banks.

“New Zealanders don’t like dirty deals being done over cups of tea. They want meaningful change to our MMP system so it works in their interests, not in the interests of the likes of John Banks.

“Kiwis voted for MMP at the last election in the belief that improvements would be made. The National Party has ignored them.

“This goes to the heart of our democracy. It’s too important for John Key and Judith Collins to play political games over. Labour is ready and willing to work with all parties to find a way forward – to make sure that New Zealanders get the representation and the democratic system they deserve,” said David Shearer.

ENDS

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