Clare Curran
Communications and IT spokesperson

17 December 2009 Media Statement
Copyright - Improving, but could do better

Labour’s Communications and IT spokesperson Clare Curran says the Government’s latest copyright plan is an improvement on its previous proposal, but more scrutiny is required to see if it will actually work.

“On the face of it the new three strikes process is relatively fair on the internet using public, but more questions need to be answered before we can have complete confidence in the proposal,” Clare Curran said.

“What costs will be involved in enforcing the three strikes plan to both the taxpayer and internet service providers (ISPs)? And what level of resourcing will the Copyright Tribunal require.

“There are also still concerns about terminating internet connections, but at least the ISPs will no longer be required to act as the police and prosecutors.”

Clare Curran said the new proposal is a step in the direction, but the way in which it has come about is not.

“I’m disappointed that Commerce Minister Simon Power saw fit to release the proposal at the end of the year,” Clare Curran said.

“This issue is too important to try to sneak it out when people are getting ready for Christmas.

“We need real debate and scrutiny of this issue and I fear we have now lost that opportunity.

“This would be a perfect opportunity for the Government to try something new and embrace an open sphere policy development process. Instead it was all behind closed doors.

“Of course it will still be subject to scrutiny at Select Committee stage and I encourage all those concerned to make their voice heard.

“I will be back in the New Year with a campaign around this issue to make sure all New Zealanders are heard."

ENDS

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