BARBARA STEWART MP
Media Release
9 November 2006
Battle Lost But War Not Over
While disappointed at the Electoral (Reduction in Number of Members of Parliament) Amendment Bill being voted down at
its second reading last night New Zealand First will now seek to introduce a Members Bill to ensure citizens initiated
referenda results are binding on the Government.
“The Members Bill seeking to reduce the number of MPs from 120 to 100 was drafted following the 1999 referendum when
81.5% of New Zealanders voted to reduce Parliament to 99 Members. The result was subsequently ignored by the Government
and we find this situation unacceptable.
“This debate is about more than reducing the size of the House - it is also about the will of the people being ignored,
said Mrs Stewart.
“The objectors to my Bill produced many arguments in favour of retaining the present number of MPs but not one could
explain to the House why the wishes of the people deserved to be ignored.
“We believe that the move to MMP marked the beginning of political reform – not the end. We will continue to promote
measures to make Parliament a more responsive and accountable institution and to give greater power to the community.
“We believe our policy is fundamental to a healthy democracy and will prevent self-serving representatives ignoring the
will of the very people they supposedly represent,” said Mrs Stewart.
ENDS