Dunne Peter: Appointments — Representation Commission 
Dunne Peter: Appointments — Representation Commission 
[Volume:635;Page:6661] 
Hon PETER DUNNE (Leader—United Future) 
: 
 United Future joins with other parties in this House in opposing these two motions. The suggestion that we have one representative representing the Government however that is defined and one representing the Opposition however that is defined is anachronistic. It is out of time and out of place and frankly we should have nothing more to do with it. In the longer term the solution may well be to have no political representatives on the Representation Commission. But if that is too big a step to take United Future would certainly support the proposition that has been advanced that there be one representative to cover the Government one for the Opposition and one for the smaller parties as well. The suggestion at the moment that just the two major party representatives can cover the interests of six other parties is frankly preposterous. It is arrogant to assume that that can be the case. I say that with no disrespect to the individuals who are involved; they are placed in a difficult if not an impossible position. 
The absurdity of this situation was highlighted by some discussions that took place earlier when this motion was first contemplated about the status of both New Zealand First and United Future. As parties in confidence and supply agreements with the Government were we to be covered by the Government nominee or were we free to choose whom we would be covered by? I understand that even the advice of the Crown Law Office was sought to clarify that point. The problem is really one of trying to fit square pegs into round holes and it highlights how absurd the situation has become. 
I can recall periodic outbursts over the years when these types of debates have taken place. About 10 years ago a debate took place when the then leader of ACT Richard Prebble ourselves and one or two other parties—I think New Zealand First as well—joined forces over appointments to the Electoral Commission on precisely the same basis as this. I even recall—and you Mr Assistant Speaker will as well—back to somewhat before the advent of MMP when the then small parties in the House who were the Alliance United and I think New Zealand First came together to oppose the design of the ballot paper by the two major parties because it was being orchestrated to the major parties’ advantage. So what we see tonight is one more attempt by the old club to do things its way. Frankly that time has long passed us by. 
The smaller parties will not win the vote on the motions tonight; the two old parties will ensure that they prevail. But the message should be loud and clear. When we have parties as diverse as the five parties who will vote against the resolutions all saying that this system of representation is unacceptable and that the time for change is nigh then it behoves both the Government and the major Opposition party to listen to them and to ensure that when we next vote on the Representation Commission’s membership in about 5 years’ time the law has been amended to address these concerns. I am pleased to stand alongside the other parties that are opposed to these motions this evening and to indicate that we will also vote against the motions. We do this in the confident expectation that this will be the last time we do so because by next time the message will have been received and the law changed to provide for more flexible proper and adequate representation.