Don Brash gives Nick Smith '100% support'

National Party Leader Don Brash says MP Nick Smith has his "100% support" as he faces contempt proceedings in the High Court at Wellington tomorrow. "It is clear that in taking the steps which have prompted this proceeding, Nick Smith was acting, in good faith, to advance the affairs of a distraught constituent.

"It is equally clear that the actions of the Family Court in dealing with this matter warrant some scrutiny. "I am deeply troubled that a Member of Parliament could, in these circumstances, find himself facing serious charges in the High Court with potentially serious consequences," says Dr Brash.

"It is fortuitous that this very week Muriel Newman's Family Court (Open Proceedings) Bill was drawn in the ballot on Thursday. National will be supporting the introduction of this legislation for the reasons so aptly illustrated by Nick Smith's case," says Dr Brash.

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