Republican Movement Welcomes Governor-General Bill

"Every New Zealander will now equally have to pay income tax with the introduction of the Governor-General Bill, ending the Governor-General's tax-free status. The Republican Movement welcomes the bill and urges parliament to pass it into law" said Lewis Holden, chair of the Republican Movement.

The Bill has been put forward following review of the outdated provisions of the Civil List Act, which give the Governor-General tax-free status. "It is also great to see that outdated and irrelevant provisions from the colonial era are to be repealed. The Act currently provides for payments for a Governors' sail-boat trip from Britain to New Zealand!" continued Mr Holden.

All Governors-General since 1972 have been New Zealand residents. The office of Governor-General has evolved rapidly since World War II; from the British Government's mouthpiece in New Zealand to a position of some standing in the community. But the Governor-General is not yet totally representative of New Zealand and New Zealanders, as he or she is still the Queen's representative. They are appointed by the Queen on the Prime Minister's advice, not by public nomination or election.

"The Bill will make the transition to an elected head of state similar to the position of Governor-General a far more straight forward process. The Republican Movement believes further changes should be made to the office, before it is converted into a full head of state" concluded Mr Holden.

ENDS

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