GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam) Link to this
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. You will recall that last year there was considerable public outrage at the way in which the Labour Party dipped, shamelessly, into public funds in order to produce the election pledge card and associated pamphlets. I want to raise with you, Madam Speaker, a very serious point, because it appears that the Labour Party is at it again.
Last evening in this Parliament there was a function to celebrate the Chinese New Year. That was a parliamentary occasion paid for out of the resources of Parliament—resources that belong to all parliamentarians and not any one political party. That event was hosted by the Hon Chris Carter. At that function Labour Party members took it upon themselves to distribute a pamphlet, you might call it—I would not, but it is a small advertising card touting their credentials to a particular group of the New Zealand population. This is electioneering, which I understood was not allowed inside the parliamentary complex. It leads to the question—
Madam SPEAKERI have heard enough of the member’s statement. It is not a point of order but it is a point that should be raised in the appropriate place, which is at the Parliamentary Service Commission. I am sorry, Mr Brownlee; it is not a point of order.
Hon CHRIS CARTER