7 October 2003

Referendum on Supreme Court Bill More Important than Ever

The United Future decision to oppose the Supreme Court Bill makes it more important than ever to hold a public referendum on the topic, New Zealand Business Roundtable executive director Roger Kerr said today.

"This important constitutional change should not be forced through parliament with the slim majority afforded by Labour, the Greens and the Progressives. A court formed on such a weak basis would lack legitimacy.

"The New Zealand Business Roundtable and four other leading business organisations had urged United Future to vote against this legislation.

"We pointed out that unless business and investors have confidence in the quality of administration of the rule of law and the upholding of property rights and contracts, investment and growth will be discouraged.

"Today we applaud the resolve of United Future. The onus is now on the Labour-Progressive government to put this vital constitutional change before the public, in the form of a referendum," Mr Kerr said.

ENDS

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