Match-Fixing Bill Passes

A bill confirming match-fixing is criminal offence has passed into law ahead of the Cricket World Cup.

After Question Time, MPs are scheduled to debate the third reading of the Crimes (Match-fixing) Amendment Bill.

Jonathan Coleman said the bill would help protect the integrity of sport at a time when match-fixng was a greater threat than ever. With the Cricket World Cup to take place in early 2015 it would reinforce that match-fixing was a criminal activity.

Phil Goff said Labour would support the bill as there was a growing problem with match-fixing. However despite knowing about the issue for some time and it being a short bill it had been drafted in haste and contained major flaws. A more comprehensive bill should have been written but the Government had run out of time, which was ludicrous.

After just six speeches the bill was given its third reading on a voice vote.

Following this the Public Safety (Public Protection Orders) Bill received its third reading by 107 to 14 with the Greens opposed and the Parole (Extended Supervision Orders) Amendment Bill received its third readings on a voice vote.

The Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and Validation) Bill (No 3) completed its second reading on a voice vote and was immediately given its third reading without debate on a voice vote.

The Taxation (KiwiSaver HomeStart and Remedial Matters) Bill was given its first reading on a voice vote and referred to Finance and Expenditure Committee with a report back date of April 28.

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