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Turner disappointed MP's won't seek public support
Thursday, 15 March 2007
Turner disappointed MP's won't seek public support
United Future MP Judy Turner says she's disappointed many Members of Parliament declined the opportunity to consult the public during last night fiery debate in Parliament on the anti-smacking Bill.
"Last night I unsuccessfully moved an amendment during the committee stage of the Members Bill in the name of Sue Bradford to amend Sect 59 of the Crimes Act to prevent the Bill becoming law after its third reading, if it passed with less than 60% support.
"This received full caucus support from United Future as we have for the last few years taken a clear policy position on the place of referendums within our democratic system. "
United Future Policy is that if any Bill that is largely voted on by conscience, passes with less than a 60% majority, that it should be put to a public referendum at the next election.
"The referendum would be binding if there is a 60% voter turn out and the issue receives 60% support.
"We chose the 60% threshold after receiving a letter from the former Governor General Sir Michael Hardie-Boyes, concerned that the Prostitution Bill had passed by one abstention and that in his opinion all conscience votes should be required to meet a 60% threshold.
"Last night, the National Party agreed with the Greens and said my amendment would undermine Parliaments sovereignty.
"Yet surely in a democracy, government should be "of the people, for the people and by the people". The people are sovereign. The people don't answer to Parliament, rather Parliament answers to the people.
"NZ First - who claim to support binding citizen initiated referendum - wouldn't support it because they didn't agree with the 60% thresholds.
""I find it hard to understand how in an MMP environment, they haven't learnt to support options that clearly lean in the direction of their own policy.
"I was particularly disappointed that most of the MPs opposing this Bill did not support my amendment, even though they claim to be representing the large numbers of the public who are opposed," said Mrs Turner.
ENDS
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