Monday, 12 March 2007

Turner seeks support to amend anti-smacking Bill

United Future deputy leader Judy Turner announced today she was seeking support from all parties to include an amendment at the committee stage of the Sue Bradford-sponsored anti-smacking Bill

Debate on the Bill is expected to resume next Wednesday.

She said "My amendment seeks to ensure that if this Bill passes its third reading with less than 60% support from the House, that it will not become law until it has been confirmed by a referendum at the next election.

"The amendment would mean that if a referendum was required, that it could only be binding if 60% of voters participated and 60% supported it.

"This is in keeping with United Future's policy position on bills that are voted on largely by conscience, to ensure that unless there is clear support within the House, such a bill can not proceed without public opinion being considered.

"United Future has given serious consideration to the issue of Binding Citizens Initiated Referenda and has focused our position on defining what issues should be put to a referendum, and under what circumstances should they be held.

"The experience of countries that have BCIR on any issue, is that voter fatigue sets in and there is a low turn out on most issues, making a mockery of the system.

"United Future's policy focuses on issues of conscience that are rarely signaled in party policy manifestos and which can often succeed on the slimmest of majorities," said Mrs Turner.

ENDS

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