Urgency a Mistake

“Pushing through the proposed changes to GCSB legislation under urgency is a mistake,” says Conservative Party Leader Colin Craig. “It’s preventing the opportunity for appropriate debate.”

“So far as these proposed changes to legislation are a clarification of existing arrangements, there is no problem. However, any extension of power is something that needs to be carefully looked at.”

“Civil liberties and the protection of a person’s privacy are essential, and must not be meddled with lightly. These are freedoms we hold dear, they are freedoms New Zealanders believe in, and have fought for.”

“We rely on the government to protect citizens’ privacy and rights. This must include protection from the government itself. It’s worth remembering that throughout history liberties are usually lost one small step at a time, and it’s normally the government that takes liberties away.”

“In an age when personal information is more easily abused than ever, the privacy controls on all parties, including government, need to be strengthened, not weakened.”

“No law relating to security and personal information should be rushed, and if there is any doubt, it should always fall on the side of protecting the individual citizen.”

ENDS

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Gordon Campbell: On Labour Refusing To Lead A Progressive Drugs Policy

Once again, Labour has chosen not to use (a) its parliamentary majority and (b) the huge mandate it was given at the last election in order to (c) bring about progressive social change. Once again, Labour seems to regard its main purpose for being in power as being to keep National and Act out of power. Will Labour for instance, overhaul our out-dated, unsafe, and unjust laws on drugs? No, it will not... More>>