Referendum an investment in the economy and our future. The Kiwi Party
Press Release
4 August, 2009

The TV One Colmar Brunton poll released today shows opposition to the anti-smacking law remains strong and consistent at 83%.

Referendum Petition organiser Larry Baldock said the other result from the poll was that 3 out 4 New Zealanders felt the cost of the referendum was a waste of money and that is not surprising.

"However, since the referendum requires the cost of at least two letters being posted to 3 million registered voters and the return of the voting papers by prepaid return, NZ Post will be receiving a Government investment of at least $3-4 million," said Mr Baldock.

"This cost could definitely have been avoided if the referendum had been held at the election last year when voters were going to the polls anyway.

"Given that most of the estimated $9million cost of the referendum will be spent on postage, printing, advertising and employing staff for counting etc, it cannot be considered a waste. For a start the Government will get some of the money back from its SOEs like NZ Post and TV One as well as the GST from money spent elsewhere in the economy.

"If Government spending in infrastructure is an investment in the economy and the future of our country then so is the referendum. The cost benefit ratio of reversing this ill-conceived socially destructive law will far outweigh a similar amount spent on a road, in my opinion.

"As I have been saying in my radio ads, there are now only two people who can waste this money, the voter if he does not vote, and John key of he refuses to listen."

ENDS

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