Tony Ryall
Opposition Justice spokesperson
Monday 8 May 2000

Government sitting on same sex submissions

The Government should release all public submissions it has received on the Ministry of Justice same sex rights discussion paper, so that MPs are fully informed when they vote on the matrimonial property bill currently before Parliament, says National's Justice spokesperson Tony Ryall.

"The Government has been sitting on these submissions for a week, since the closing date on 1 May.

"These submissions are the closest thing we've got to a proper public consultation process on the matrimonial property bill.

"Parliament is considering same sex property rights in the next couple of weeks. All MPs deserve full access to these submissions to have an informed debate on the matrimonial property bill.

"Same sex property rights were never included in the original de facto property rights bill. So, the public - including same sex couples - have never had an opportunity to comment on the drafting or extension of such rights to same sex couples.

"Some submissions were received during the select committee stage on that matter, but they were not included in the bill which went to Parliament.

"National is urging the Government to release the full submissions - not just a summary - so all MPs are informed when they vote," says Mr Ryall.

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