Chartered Accountants Urge Retention Of Privy Council

Institute Welcomes United Future’s Position On Privy Council

The President of Tthe Institute of Chartered Accountants of New Zealand today says the Government has disregarded proper policy making processes in its decision to abolish New Zealanders’welcomed the United Future Party’s principled decision to appeal rights to the Privy Councilvote against removing New Zealanders’ right to appeal to the Privy Council.

“The United Future Party should be congratulated for the principled stand it has taken,” David Pickens, the Institute’s Director – Government Relations and Special Projects, said today.

Mr Pickens said the Institute was deeply concerned and disappointed with the Government’s determination to proceed no matter what the views of those who actually used the current system.

Whe“We would have expected a government re the government is proposing such a major constitutional change, we would expect it to proceed cautiously, taking due heed of the concerns of the users of the system. Certainly, we would expected it to have acted in the spirit of genuine consultation.

, Ralph Marshall, expressed is urgingdisappointed today thatto reconsider its position on abohas chosen to lishiabolishngNew Zealanders’ “To pass into law such a fundamental a change to our constitutionally arrangementsimportant change of this magnitude on the basis of a bare majority in Pparliament, rather than through a public referendum, and in the face of strong public opposition sets a very dangerous precedent.”.” [ ] totally Institute President Ralph said Mr.

Mr PickensThe said found it surprising that urged all parties who often claim to be the strongest supporters of consultation have been so completely unwilling to hear what the public thinks on the Privy Council issue.
“We urge all MPs to reconsider their position and at least support a referendum on the issue.
MPs to vote down the bill. “Access to the Privy Council allows judicial decisions in this country to be considered against international law and best practice by the top legal minds in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.” T
“Equally importantly, Further, he Privy Council does not cost the New Zealand taxpayer a cent to run and it is not compromised by local politics.

“If one needed an example of why New Zealand needs to retain its link to the Privy Council, one need look no further than Nandor Tanczos’ comments that the the Attorney- General’s spiteful comments plans to restrict United Future’s involvement in the wider reform of New Zealand’s constitution – that they will be “left out of the loop”. as punishment for the position it has taken

“If accurate, this would show a government that finds it difficult to separate public interest issues from party politics, and highlights the types of pressures a New Zealand-based Supreme Court will come under. This is clearly not in New Zealand’s best interests.

“We urge MPs to vote against the bill, at least until after a referendum can be held.”

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