21 October 2004
Democracy Will Rule In Parliament
New Zealand First deputy leader Peter Brown is calling for the Standing Orders Committee to make an amendment to
Parliamentary processes when split voting occurs.
“The practice of split voting has become more common under MMP, but there is nothing in the Standing Orders that
addresses how the practice should be addressed,” Mr Brown said.
“It has emerged that some parties are not prepared to willingly divulge which members of the respective parties voted
for, against or abstained. The practice allows MPs the luxury of a secret ballot.
“New Zealand First will not stand by and let this practice continue, and I have raised the issue in the House. I have
also written to the Standing Orders committee asking them to make an amendment to Standing Orders that will make it
compulsory for each party whip to table with the Clerk the names of its members who voted for, against or abstained.
“Open democracy will rule in Parliament. New Zealand First will fix it,” Mr Brown concluded.
ENDS