ACT Leader, Hon Richard Prebble, said today, that the coalition was attempting to silence any opposition to the Employment Relations Bill.

“Government MPs have been grossly misusing Parliamentary Privilege to try and stop journalists, and opposition MPs, informing the public about the ERB’s contents.

“Yesterday the ACT office received a call from Select Committee chair, Graham Kelly, stating that the Government might not table the Bill on Monday morning as agreed by the business committee.

“There is absolutely no justification for a delay in tabling the Bill. ACT believes the Bill could be tabled as early as Friday afternoon.

“The only possible reason for a delay is that Mr Kelly is playing games.

“ACT has organised seminars throughout New Zealand on Monday. By midday Friday, over 2000 businesses had already registered.

“This Bill affects every single business and employee in the country, and is a radical re-write of New Zealand’s employment law. Because it comes into effect in just two months, those affected are very keen to consider it.

“ACT is doing the Governments job in explaining the Bill. Graham Kelly should stop playing games and ensure the Bill is tabled this week so business can get organised.

“The ACT party has no intention of playing Mr Kelly’s game and will not cancel our seminars. The first is at 10am on Monday for the media,” said Richard Prebble.

ENDS

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