The Government's Property (Relationships) Bill should be sent back to the select committee for a major overhaul, National's Justice spokesman Tony Ryall said today.

"The bill is badly drafted.

"The public was allowed just one month to make submissions on the bill. We only got public submissions after the opposition parties fought Ms Wilson's plan to bypass public scrutiny.

"The Government has arrogantly ignored the warnings and advice of many practitioners including the Family Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society. The society warned that the bill would lead to confusion and uncertainty.

"Even the Principal Family Court Judge called for clearer guidance as to Parliament's intentions.

"The bill should go back to select committee so the Government can listen to the real concerns New Zealanders have about the proposals," Mr Ryall said.

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