Media Release

31 July 2000

ACT’s DEPLORABLE BREACH OF PRIVILEGE

New Zealand First Industrial Relations Spokesperson, Peter Brown MP, has accused the ACT Leader, Richard Prebble of breaching parliamentary privilege over the Employment Relations Bill as a stunt to revive his flagging political career.

“Mr Prebble is under so much pressure from within his party because of his muck rucking over Dover Samuels that he is prepared to breach all confidentiality by revealing the contents of the new Bill at a series of ACT seminars being held today.

“At this time Select Committee Members in particular, and all MPs are obliged to maintain confidentiality regarding the Employment Relations Bill. I have already written to the Speaker of the House alleging a breach of privilege has occurred by a member of the Green Party making public comment of the work of the Select Committee dealing with this Bill.

“I will not hesitate to use the same form of redress if ACT do the same,” said Peter Brown.

“Parliament traditionally treats very seriously, deliberate acts of confidential information being leaked from Select Committees, and I expect my fellow politicians to always honour their obligations in that regard.

We also strongly disagree with certain aspects of the Employment Relations Bill but that is not a reason to break the rules. I point out if politicians do not exercise restraint, and are not able to follow the rules in such matters, then I suggest it is the first step toward anarchy,” concluded Peter Brown.

ENDS

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