9 April 2002 Media Statement
Minister Clarifies Position On Alliance Caucus Leadership

Following the front page article in the Dominion today which suggests that Laila Harré is preparing to challenge Jim Anderton’s claim to the Parliamentary Leadership of the Alliance, the Minister wishes to make her position clear.

“Except as regards the Electoral Integrity Act, there is no definition of the Leader of a party for parliamentary purposes.

“There are a range of responsibilities and rights that Parliament assigns to Party leaders”, said Ms Harré.

“The Alliance needs to agree quickly on the assignment of these rights and responsibilities in a sensible way.”

Ms Harré said she is “seeking agreement between all caucus members regarding the parliamentary operations, including funding, that recognises the reality of the situation we find ourselves in and allows us to account fully for the proper use of taxpayer funds.”

“I am confident that we will be able to reach agreements that allow the Alliance to fulfil its parliamentary obligations and continue to serve in the Labour-Alliance Government.”

It would only be in the case that agreements could not be reached that another person or body such as the Speaker or the Parliamentary Services Commission would need to become involved.

Laila Harré said she has not taken legal advice on any matter relating to the operation of the Alliance within Parliament.

Ends

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