9 October 2003

Hon Jim Anderton MP, Progressive Party Leader

Supreme Court good for jobs

Progressive Party leader, Jim Anderton, says the new Supreme Court will be better for New Zealand businesses because it will make it easier for companies to enforce legal rights.

The economic development minister says that if the removal of appeal rights to London was going to cost jobs, then it would be worth another look. "But it won't cost jobs, it will be good for jobs and good for our small and medium-sized companies. The rule of law is one of the most important factors in economic success. Many of New Zealand's small businesses can't afford to defend their rights by fighting all the way to London.

"There is also a credibility issue. The Blair Government is getting rid of the Privy Council, so we need to make our own arrangements.

"Right now, I'm committed to trying to promote New Zealand through our creative industries ­ our music, film, fashion and design. It is hard to tell the world that we have brilliant creative people in New Zealand when we don't even have our own judicial system," Jim Anderton said.

"National and ACT are apparently saying they would restore appeal rights to the Privy Council. I can¹t see how, since even England is getting rid of the Privy Council.

"But United Future and NZ First say they will support a National-led government which would abolish the Supreme Court and restore appeal rights to the Privy Council. I invite those parties to explain how that would help New Zealand's 250,000 small businesses." Jim Anderton said.

ENDS

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