Media Release Law Commission 16 June 2009

‘Have Your Say’ on Law Commission’s Online Consultation Site www.talklaw.co.nz

The Law Commission has launched an online consultation site called TalkLaw to generate wider public discussion and feedback about law reform projects it is working on.

It also plans to establish a presence on FaceBook to attract interest from a younger audience.

The Law Commission’s review of privacy law is the first issue available on TalkLaw for online comment and debate. The closing date for comments is 11 September 2009.

“The internet gives us a unique tool to move beyond our usual consultative processes and to engage with a wider cross-section of New Zealand society,” said Dr Warren Young, the Deputy President of the Commission.

“We’re hoping that we’ll get comments and feedback from people from all walks of life right across New Zealand, especially people in their 20s and 30s who might otherwise not engage with us.” The Law Commission has extended the consultation period for its review of privacy law to allow for online feedback via TalkLaw. Among the questions it has asked readers to consider are:

* Should it be a criminal offence to publish deeply private information about someone without their consent?

* Should people’s privacy be protected in any way when they are in public places?

* Should news media be exempt from some laws if they are acting to expose matters of real public concern?

Next up on TalkLaw will be the Commission’s review of the law around the sale and supply of liquor. The Law Commission will release a discussion paper on 31 July 2009.

Dr Young said he expected there to be huge public interest in this.

“The regulatory framework around the sale and consumption of alcohol is a subject that just about all New Zealanders will have an opinion on. Most people, one way or another, buy, sell or consume alcohol, or are affected by its sale and consumption.” Dr Young said the Law Commission would use all of the comments and submissions made by the public to help frame its recommendations to the Government for any changes to the law.

To find out more, people can log on to www.talklaw.co.nz . To make a comment or submission, or join a forum discussion, you must first sign up. This is quick, easy and anonymous.

The Law Commission is an independent Crown Entity responsible for reviewing New Zealand’s laws and providing law reform advice to the Government.

ENDS

© Scoop Media