ACT Seeks Multi-Party Selection for Key Roles

Thursday 1 Aug 2002 Ken Shirley Press Releases -- Governance & Constitution

Acting Leader of the Act Party Ken Shirley today called on the Government to introduce a more collaborative approach to the workings of Parliament.

"I have today written to the Leaders of all the political parties in Parliament seeking to change the way the Speaker and Deputy Speakers of the House are selected and also the chairs of Select Committees.

"The two old political parties have less than 65 percent of the seats in the House. This shows clearly that the public is increasingly embracing the concept of MMP as allowing a greater representation of smaller parties. Now Parliament needs to embrace this also and move from the past arbitrary system where the party with the biggest vote controls not only who becomes Speaker, but also who heads up the Select Committees.

"The public of New Zealand has voted for a broader range of political views in Parliament. It is only right that Parliament accepts this and allows multi-party participation in the key roles.

"I am calling for the Leaders of all the Parties to get behind my proposals and demonstrate to the public that politicians of all beliefs can provide better Government by working together cohesively," Ken Shirley said.

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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