Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Helen Clark overrules Speaker on TV ban
Helen Clark overrules Speaker on TV ban
Monday 21 Mar 2005
Rodney Hide - News & Views - Other
Helen Clark has kicked for touch Speaker Margaret Wilson's intention to ban television news cameras from Parliament because she doesn't want a fight over freedom of the press in election year, said ACT Leader Rodney Hide today.
Mr Hide's comments follow the post-Cabinet announcement that Labour is deferring funding approval for a new $6.2 million television camera system till next year's Budget.
"Without the money, Margaret Wilson can't install the new system and so can't ban TVNZ's and TV3's cameras from Parliament. Helen Clark has just shown the new Speaker who is boss.
"Helen Clark's deferment also shows that she is not interested in having the extra taxpayer-funded TV service if she can't kick TVNZ and TV3 out.
"There's no principle at work here. If there were, Helen Clark would guarantee TVNZ's and TV3's right to cover Parliament with their own cameras irrespective of the extra service," said Mr Hide.
ENDS
Gordon Campbell: Gordon Campbell On The Folly Of Making Apologies In A Social Vacuum.
Cooper Legal: Censorship Is Alive And Well In New Zealand
NZ Government: NZ Signs Trade Deal With Costa Rica, Iceland And Switzerland
Forest And Bird: Modernisation Of Conservation System Must Focus On Improving Conservation
NZCTU: Uniformed Defence Force Should Not Be Used As Strike Breakers
MetService: Damp Start To Canterbury Anniversary Weekend; Wet Start For Coldplay Fans In Auckland
RNZ: Senior Lawyers Call For Treaty Principles Bill To Be Abandoned
