7. CHESTER BORROWS (National—Whanganui) Link to this
to the Minister of Justice
What progress has been made on the Government’s plan to hold a referendum on the electoral system as set out in National’s election policy?
Hon SIMON POWER (Minister of Justice) Link to this
Today I announced on behalf of the Government that a referendum will be held in conjunction with the 2011 general election. The referendum will ask two questions of voters: first, whether they wish to retain MMP, and, second, which of a list of options is their preferred alternative voting system. If the majority vote to retain MMP, no further referendum is required. If the majority vote for change, the Government commits to holding a second referendum at the time of the 2014 election that will ask voters to choose between MMP and the most preferred alternative system. If the majority vote for a new system in 2014, it will be in place in time for the 2017 general election. I thank all political parties for their initial constructive engagement on this issue.
To date, Cabinet has made decisions about the timing, structure, and basic format only of the referenda. The next series of decisions will focus on the question wording, including the alternative systems to be put up, as well as further decisions on rules for the referenda, and a public information process. Legislation will be introduced next year to enable the referenda to be held. It will provide the public with an opportunity to have a say on these issues through the select committee process.
Hon David ParkerWhy is the Minister announcing today a decision made by Cabinet a month ago, and is it simply a generous attempt by the Minister to provide a distraction from the shambles surrounding his colleagues the Minister of Broadcasting and the Minister for ACC?