It was pleasing to hear reports of some mature law-making last night.
Labour, Green, and Maori MPs had been arguing against the use of remote video links for substantive criminal trials without the consent of the accused. Although the government had the numbers to pass the Bill (we assume, although the voting patterns of the ACT party are never predictable), reports are that the Minister, Hon Simon Power, was "persuaded" by the strength of the debate and proposed a handwritten SOP to amend the Bill to address this.
On its face, it looks like mature and responsive law-making, where the merits of the case are at the forefront. An examplar for our MMP multi-party legislature. "Big snaps" to all involved.
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3 comments:
"although the voting patterns of the ACT party are never predictable"
I assume you mean that nicely Dean.
Big snaps indeed.
Chris:
Indeed. It was a nod to the fac that, I understand, ACT have publicly announced that it will not whip its MPs for voting purposes. That means, I think, you can't assume that ACT MPs will vote as a block.
And, for this vote, it would be interested to know how the ACT MPs intended to vote, before Power announced the change...
Mmmm victory has many fathers...
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