19 November 2007

Statement from David Thornton

Elecoral Finance Bill Still A Threat To Democracy

Further to our media release ealier today we remain seriously concerned at the attack on democracy still posed by the Electoral Finance Bill.

Today’s release of the Select Committee’s changes do not allay our fears and concerns.

There were many organisations and lobby groups, including NoMoreRates, which did not appreciate the implications of this Bill when it was originally sent out for public submissions.

Following the outcry against the Bill in recent days it is now obvious that many community and lobby groups will be affected if the Bill, even in its revised form, is passed into law without further public scutiny.

We therefore support the recommendation of the Human Rights Commission which “considers that public concerns would be best addressed by a further round of public consultation on a redrafted version of the Bill.”

ends

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