Governor-General Act Must Be First Step: Republicans

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tweetmeme_source = 'nzrepublic'; *MEDIA RELEASE* 16 November 2010

"The Governor-General Act is a good step forward, but needs to be amended to further modernise our de facto head of state" said Lewis Holden, chair of the Republican Movement.

The Republican Movement welcomes the Act, which modernises the way the Governor-General is paid and makes the Governor-General's salary taxable, like every other New Zealander.

"The Republican Movement proposes amending the Act through a members Bill. Our amendments would mean that our next Governor-General is nominated to the Queen by three-quarters of MPs, rather than just the Prime Minister.

This would make the position much more democratic, as it would be our elected representatives putting up the nominee" continued Mr Holden. The amendments would also set a maximum term for the Governor-General at 5 years, and allow each individual to serve only one term.

The term of the Governor-General is currently undefined, but usually officeholders remain in office for five years.

"The Republican Movement will continue to campaign for Parliament to be able to nominate the next Governor-General. We have a members bill free to a good home to amend the Act. We want New Zealand to become a republic but recognise that there are a few changes that need to occur along the way" concluded Mr Holden.

* ENDS

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