NEWS > 05 October 2006

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Radio New Zealand - Wellington
05 October 2006

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National Party leader question

National Party leader, Don Brash, is questioning the integrity of the New Zealand Police, following their inquiry into Labour's 2005 election spending.

In a letter to Police Commissioner Howard Broad, which was issued on Wednesday; Dr Brash requested an apology from the police for their decision not to prosecute Labour for overspending during the election campaign.

Dr Brash says although this is not the first time he has questioned the outcome of a police investigation, he has never doubted their integrity until now. He says it is important for the public's confidence in police that this matter is resolved.

On Wednesday, Dr Brash said either the police were grossly incompetent or the government leaned on them, causing Labour not to be prosecuted for overspending during the 2005 election campaign. He said Labour stole the election.

Pledge card funding at centre of debate
Radio New Zealand's political editor says the case revolves around whether Labour's use of Parliamentary funding to pay for its pledge card should have been included as part of its election campaign spending.

While the decision not to prosecute was made months ago, Dr Brash says National has only just been able to examine all the documents associated with the case.

He says there is a real issue of a loss of public and Parliamentary confidence in the police.

Police Act being reviewed

The power of the police to enforce electoral law will be discussed as part of a review of the 50-year-old Police Act.

Dr Brash says he wants answers as to why the police did not deal with Labour's 2005 election spending before there's any discussion about alternatives in future.

Police Minister, Annette King, says issues of police responsibility under a number of areas of law will be looked at as part of a review of the Police Act.

She says this is the time to hold discussion about any changes that would be made by having someone else look at the Electoral Act rather than the police.

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Article sourced from

Radio New Zealand - Wellington05 October 2006

National Party leader question

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Radio New Zealand - Wellington
05 October 2006