A group of 10 former women MPs from across the political spectrum announced today that they have a formed the People’s Select Committee on Pay Equity to examine the Government’s changes to the Equal Pay Act.

It will serve as an extra-parliamentary committee tasked with considering public submissions and independently examining the new law in lieu of a parliamentary select committee process.

“As former women MPs, we have set up this committee to collect the evidence and hear the voices of New Zealanders regarding the policy debate on pay equity,” said Professor Marilyn Waring DNZM.

“In the absence of a select committee process, we have taken it upon ourselves to call for submissions from the public so that experts, organisations, and affected employers and workers can give evidence that should have been before parliament when voting on the legislation.”

“As a researcher, I am dedicated to ensuring that public policy changes are evidence-based. I’m pleased that former women MPs from across the political spectrum are willing to commit their time and energy to gather and report on this information.”

“We will consider submissions and evidence over the next several months and then work to produce a report by the end of the year,” said Waring.

Membership of the committee:

• Professor Marilyn Waring DNZM (former National MP)
• Jackie Blue MNZM (former National MP)
• Jo Hayes (former National MP)
• Belinda Vernon (former National MP)
• Ria Bond (former New Zealand First MP)
• Hon. Lianne Dalziel CNZM (former Labour MP)
• Hon. Steve Chadwick QSO (former Labour MP)
• Hon. Nanaia Mahuta (former Labour MP)
• Lynne Pillay (former Labour MP)
• Dr Sue Bradford (former Green MP)

Notes:

See Info sheet here. 

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