Greens urged to let Parliament decide on RWC Bill

August 12, 2015

The Greens have been given a second chance to allow Parliament to consider a Bill relaxing venue opening restrictions during Rugby World Cup games. ACT Leader David Seymour will reintroduce his Bill to the House today.

“It is clear that my Bill has overwhelming Parliamentary support, and the only obstacle was the Green veto,” said Mr Seymour.

“The Greens have suggested several modifications to the Bill, but some of these are either unfair or unworkable.

“The suggestion of broadcasting only All Black games is deeply unfair to all those Kiwis of Samoan, English, Irish, South African and other overseas heritage, who will have great interest in cheering on those nations. I am proud of New Zealand’s multicultural character. This should be a festival for all.

“Some of the Greens’ other suggestions I am prepared to consider. For example, there may be some merit in restricting licenses to bars that have previously or recently been in breach of their licenses.

“However, the correct place for them to be considered is at the committee stages where the public and MPs can have input into what details are finally passed. I urge the Greens to allow me to table my Bill, and they can make the case for change at select committee.

“The Green’s insistence that this must be a government Bill is a poor excuse for two reasons.

“First, I am seeking leave to have it debated in time for the Rugby World Cup. The only problem with timing is that the Greens are not giving that leave.

“Second, I am not preventing the resources of government being used to improve the Bill. The government and all parties will be able to have input at the committee stages. Normally the Greens are prepared to have such matters debated in the spirit of democracy.

“Let’s allow normal Parliamentary processes to work to provide a Bill that Parliament will support, and which the public clearly already do.”

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