Should Police Be Called In?
Should Police Be Called In?
Thursday 21st Dec 2000 Stephen Franks Media Release -- Justice
From what has now been stated about Phillida Bunkle's residence out of Wellington the registrar of electors has no option but to consider whether he has to call in the police, said ACT Justice spokesman Stephen Franks.
“The little known section 120 of the Electoral Act requires the registrar to report to the police suspected offences of wilfully misleading the registrar. That offence carries a fine of up to $2000 and up to three months imprisonment.
“A police investigation would reassure New Zealanders that the inquiry is rigorous and independent. Without that, people could worry about the thoroughness of a Ministerial Services investigation into a minister, involving what is alleged to be its own advice.
“To ensure corruption is not tolerated in New Zealand our law must be seen to mean what it says when it relates to politicians and public funds,” said Stephen Franks.
For more information visit ACT online at
http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary
Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.