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Electoral Finance Bill would erode free speech
13 September 2007
Electoral Finance Bill would erode free speech
The Electoral Finance Bill would erode New Zealanders' right to freedom of speech, according to Business NZ.
Business NZ's submission to the Justice & Electoral select committee says the meaning of election advertising is too broad, and would result in free speech being deemed 'corrupt practice.'
Speaking to the Justice and Electoral select committee today Business NZ representatives said it was inappropriate to create a licensing regime for political speech and the length of the regulated period would effectively shut down political debate for several months before an election.
There had been inadequate consultation with third parties likely to be affected by the proposed legislation and no discussion document containing options for the future.
Business NZ does not oppose an examination of current electoral finance procedures but seeks an outcome that is more transparent and evidence-based than the current Bill.
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