Govt slammed over 'anti free speech' Electoral Finance Act

Email
Print

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:00a.m.

Prime Minister Helen Clark

Prime Minister Helen Clark

A law expert is accusing the Attorney General of failing to protect New Zealander's rights by upholding the Electoral Finance Act.

The Electoral Commission yesterday released its annual report which slammed the Act as "obscure" and "difficult" to implement.

There are claims the controversial Act - which was passed last year to regulate election advertising - is violating freedom of speech.

Auckland University law professor - Bill Hodge - says Michael Cullen has failed to protect New Zealander's right to expression.

RadioLIVE

Become a fan of 3 News on Facebook and on Twitter.

Post a Comment

Before commenting, please take the time to read our moderation guide


(Won't be published)



Comments

06 Oct 2008 03:06a.m.

alan wrote:

Oh, so people are upset at their 'rights' being taken. That's almost as big a joke as thinking National's mantra (very, very tired now) of "tax cuts" is going to be the miracle cure. The only right that's been taken is the right of big business to manipulate, through excess financing of political parties (of EITHER party), unfettered and unmonitored. If you want to contribute more, do it. Only have the guts to sign your name to it - something big business wouldn't never want to do for obvious reasons. Oh well, we're a small country, so I guess issues like this can't be grasped by similarly small brains ...

05 Oct 2008 06:40p.m.

Alex wrote:

"never before has our rights to speak against the government been taken from us"

This hasn't happened.

"brown shirt supporters who completely are unable to thin outside the party line"

What makes you think this?

04 Oct 2008 08:02a.m.

Alien wrote:

yes alex but never before has our rights to speak against the government been taken from us by the nazi red party we have in and its brown shirt supporters who completely are unable to thin outside the party line

04 Oct 2008 07:12a.m.

Glenn wrote:

Well that just really emphasizes the fact that Labour don't want to let the people have their say, who said there was democracy in this country??.

It will be interesting to see what problems arise with the Emissions trading scheme which was also rushed through loaded with issues.

03 Oct 2008 01:44p.m.

Alex wrote:

Does everyone know that before the EFA, election advertisements had to be authorised with a person's name and address on it? Do people know that before the EFA, there were caps on spending? Do people know that before the EFA, no one knew AT ALL about the legality of third parties campaigning? Do they also know that any legislation can be ambiguous before it goes through the courts?

03 Oct 2008 12:10p.m.

reader wrote:

I hope that Bill Hodge had those comments approved under the EFA they are promoting negative Labour thoughts.

03 Oct 2008 10:59a.m.

Jim wrote:

"Bill Hodge - says Michael Cullen has failed to protect New Zealander's right to expression".
I am not suprised that of this type of dictatorship from Comrad's Clark and Cullen.