3 April 2000

Greens support MMP review, oppose defection bill

The Green Party is backing the government's motion to establish an MMP review committee and wants the government's anti-defection bill deferred until this committee has reported.

The notice of motion to establish an MMP Review committee, as required by the Electoral Act, is set down for debate after question time tomorrow (Tuesday 4 April).

Green co-leader Rod Donald said he was satisfied with the terms of reference of the committee, the committee's composition and the process by which it will make decisions.

"While some members of the committee have been vociferous in their opposition to MMP in the past, on the whole the make-up is balanced and the requirement that decisions must be reached by an overwhelming majority will ensure good decision making," he said.

"I am pleased the terms of reference include the extent to which party lists have achieved better representation of women, tangata whenua and ethnic minorities. Any decision on the size of parliament must take these factors into account."

Mr Donald said the issue of MPs leaving parties should be discussed as part of the review rather than being dealt with in isolation. He will be calling on the government to defer the electoral (integrity) bill, which is currently before the Justice and Electoral Law select committee, until the MMP review is completed.

"Trying to push this bill through before the MMP review has started is counter productive and undermines the standing of the review," he said.

Mr Donald said he was disappointed NZ First had refused to appoint a representative to the MMP review committee.

"I think Winston Peters' refusal to co-operate is pathetic," he said.

Ends

Rod Donald MP: 025 507 183

© Scoop Media