Media statement Tuesday, October 7th, 2003
United Future earns business applause for Privy Council stand
The Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern) has welcomed the stand by United Future not to support the Supreme Court Bill.
"The Supreme Court Bill represents an important constitutional change and it would be wrong for Government to press
ahead with it without a public referendum," said Alasdair Thompson, EMA's chief executive.
"It is wrong to change our constitution on the turn of a vote or two in Parliament.
"A Bill of this significance warrants the overwhelming support of Parliament, business, which is the Privy Council's
main user, Maori and New Zealanders in general.
"The Bill should not proceed without such support.
"United Future's principled decision not to support the Bill is welcome, and we applaud the pro-business reasons given
for the decision."
ENDS