Gordon Copeland Press Release
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, 30th April 2008

Copeland queries count on anti-smacking petition

Independent MP Gordon Copeland has forwarded a letter to the Government Statistician seeking clarification of the methodology used to determine the number of valid signatures on Sheryl Savill’s petition on the anti-smacking law.

“Admittedly I am far from objective about this matter since I have lent my wholehearted support to the petition from its inception,” said Mr Copeland.

“However it is of vital importance to the functioning of our democracy that the process for determining the result of the petition accords with the Citizens Initiated Referendum Act 1993 and is accurate, verifiable, and transparent.”

“It is perhaps unusual for an MP to query the work of the Government Statistician in such a matter, but I feel it is incumbent upon me to raise this matter in the public interest.”

“With that in mind, I attach hereto a copy of my letter to the Government Statistician, Mr Geoff Bascand.”

ENDS

See... GeoffBascand3004081.pdf

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