ACT Supports Nats on Leaky Buildings Tribunal

Thursday 26 Sep 2002 Deborah Coddington Press Releases -- Commerce

The ACT Party supports National's call for a Weathertightness Tribunal, as a practical way to help homeowners suffering losses from new homes which are leaking, rotting, and a danger, ACT commerce spokesman Deborah Coddington says.

"ACT was the first to get the Government to change its stance on this problem.

"When I initially called for a select committee inquiry, to be conducted by the Commerce Select Committee, the Minister of Internal Affairs George Hawkins had absolutely ruled out an inquiry.

"Then George Hawkins read my press release, changed his mind, and the Government Administration Committee met one hour before the Commerce Committee and moved to inquire into leaky buildings.

"But Labour has a clear majority on the GA Committee, unlike the Commerce Committee, so home-owners will not be assured of practical solutions from this inquiry.

"That is why I support National's proposition for a Tribunal which could be set up by the Construction Contracts Bill 2001, already before Parliament.

"If the Labour Government is serious about addressing the problems faced by homeowners, then its members will support any motion that seeks to quickly restore consumer confidence in the building and real estate industry," Miss Coddington said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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