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The PM on the MMP Referendum & Ministerial Housing
Scoop Audio: The PM on the MMP Referendum, Ministerial Housing and the Smacking Review
By Spike Mountjoy
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Audio on Demand of NZ Prime Minister John Key's weekly press conference.
The PM said the upcoming binding referendum on MMP will most likely be held in conjunction with the next election.
But the timing, and whether one or two questions will be asked, are matters Justice Minister Simon Power has gone away to think about. The PM said Power will report back to cabinet, probably before the end of the year.
Voters will first be asked whether MMP should be retained, and if not, they will be asked to decide on an alternative system.
The PM said people had become comfortable with the current system but the referendum would fulfill National’s election pledge, and be a chance for electors to “kick the tires” on MMP.
However most of today’s press conference was taken up with discussion of new rules around MP accommodation allowances.
The new system will be more akin to bulk funding, with ministers receiving $37,500.
The PM also announced the appointment of pop psychologist Nigel Latta to a panel reviewing policies and procedures of the Police and Child Youth And Families around the issue of smacking.
The Government released the terms of reference for the review today.
The PM was also questioned about tree protection in Auckland, the boundaries of the Super City, and the economy.
The Government will go into urgency tomorrow to pass the Crown Retail Deposit Guarantees Bill and the remains of the remaining stages of the RMA Simplifying and Streamlining Amendment Bill.
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