Robertson H V Ross: Address to Her Excellency the Governor-General 
Robertson H V Ross: Address to Her Excellency the Governor-General 
[Volume:617;Page:13211] 
H V ROSS ROBERTSON (Labour—Manukau East) 
: 
 Kia ora tatou. Warm Pacific greetings Mr Speaker. Firstly I congratulate you on the part that you have played in this commemoration service and on your longevity as Speaker of this House. This commemoration of 150 years since the establishment of a Westminster-style Parliament should provide an opportunity for reflection. This commemoration should humble us. After all 150 years is not a long time in human history. Much and many have gone before us and much and many are still to come. The distinguished seats in this House are never left cold. But while we are occupying these seats what will be our contribution to this lineage to this national project? Our greatest contribution is unlikely to be most of the issues of the moment. Many laws of this generation will be forgotten or changed in the next 150 years. Yet 150 years is also long enough to show that some of the major political battles of principle are never-ending. These tussles are about fundamental views of life personal and national purpose and common values. 
Thus the history of our Parliament reflects the history of this community. We are not the apex of the community; we are its servants and representatives. The people come first. To me as an Assistant Speaker this perspective and this commemoration today is instructive as it illustrates that Parliament has an overarching purpose and responsibility. We have a debt to the past and we have a debt to the future. That is why the way we conduct ourselves while in the House is paramount. Our conduct must recognise that the passions of the moment must not obstruct our duty to the community and posterity. That is why I have vigorously promoted a code of conduct for Parliament. Even Westminster itself now has a code of conduct. 
The public’s demand for good governance transparency and accountability is even more evident now than it has been in the past. Distrust of and despair in democracy is widespread and addictive and leads to vicious cycles of cynicism that are experienced as low voter turnout low participation in political processes and low approval ratings for politicians. Research has pointed to a chronic decline of confidence in politicians with studies showing that confidence was 33 percent in 1975 and only 4 percent in 1992. A 2001 survey confirmed the trend with over a third of respondents saying they did not trust politicians at all and 93 percent giving politicians a very low score. 
Likewise voter turnout has dwindled from 86 percent in 1984 to 76 percent in 1990. At the 2002 general election if non-registered voters are included only 73 percent of the population of voting age took part. We must overcome this democratic deficit for we face the prospect that democracy will fall apart because we do not sustain a truthful relationship with our electors. 
Bismarck likened laws to sausages—it is better not to see them being made. He contended that laws are forged of compromise bribery and arm-twisting but he was wrong. In a democracy it is vital that the community sees laws being made. It must be involved in the discussion and delivery of the values that add value. Parliament is the window on to the political process and we must collectively strive to improve popular perception of its relevance. It is time for Parliament to take steps to improve the situation and reverse the loss of confidence and trust. Introduction of standards and values that Parliament applies to itself and expects its members to uphold is a necessary first step. 
In 2001 I proposed a code of conduct for New Zealand parliamentarians. The code was aspirational and supportive of members of Parliament—the vast majority of whom are sincere and hard-working. It begins with a brief set of general and public duties incumbent on members outlines a set of general principles for members to observe in their conduct and ends with a section emphasising conduct in the House particularly regarding behaviour and appearances. The principles proclaimed by the code are simple but they are the basis of the true character that we seek in our politicians—selflessness integrity objectivity accountability openness honesty and leadership. New Zealand has pioneered many reforms that have received global acclaim and we can achieve the same with a code that advances the standing of politics as a worthy profession. The Standing Orders Committee has considered the proposal and late last year I welcomed its report which basically endorsed the principles of the proposal to establish a code of conduct. 
The committee has suggested that these principles could be considered during the examination of the Members of Parliament (Pecuniary Interests) Bill when it is brought before the House. I hope that at that stage the code may become a reality for the New Zealand Parliament. Values and ethics are the most fundamental things facing the survival of democracy in this century. Can we restore the relationship between MPs and their communities? I am realistic. I expect a miracle. Kia ora tatou tena koutou tena koutou tena koutou katoa. Tihei mauri ora! 
Motion agreed to.