Fenton Darien: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Fenton Darien: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:636;Page:7047] 
1. DARIEN FENTON (Labour) 
 to the  
Minister of Labour 
: Has she received any reports relating to proposed changes to the Employment Relations Act 2000? 
Hon RUTH DYSON (Minister of Labour) 
: 
 Yes I have. I have seen one report that states: “Under National expect quite significant changes. There was nothing wrong with the Employment Contracts Act.” Another states: “Broadly speaking we weren’t planning to make major changes … we haven’t argued … that we would go all the way back to the Employment Contracts Act …”. Both of these contradictory statements are from John Key. 
Darien Fenton 
: Has the Minister seen any other reports on proposals relating to the Employment Relations Act? 
Hon RUTH DYSON 
: Actually I have. The first is a report stating: “We support flexible labour markets because countries with such markets have lower unemployment.” A second report states: “The Employment Relations Act has been one of the driving forces to New Zealand having low levels of unemployment.” Both statements again contradictory were from John Key and both were made in the same month. 
Darien Fenton 
: Has the Minister seen any other reports relating to proposed changes to the Employment Relations Act? 
Hon RUTH DYSON 
: I have seen a report that the Exclusive Brethren sought to change the law in an attempt to bar unions from all their workplaces regardless of size. They described employment relationships— 
Madam SPEAKER 
: We are not having a repeat of what we had last Thursday. Members are entitled to be heard. Interjections are not to create disorder in the House. 
Hon RUTH DYSON 
: The Exclusive Brethren described the employment relationship as one of master and servant. This unsuccessful attempt was supported by the National Party. A second report shows that National’s new industrial relations spokesperson Kate Wilkinson used to work for the Exclusive Brethren as legal counsel in Christchurch. Considering her close associations with the Exclusive Brethren I wonder what concessions she wants to grant them. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Would the Minister please repeat the answer. I assume that is what Mr Mark was about to request. The member knows full well that reports are sought and reports are being given. 
Hon RUTH DYSON 
: A second report shows that National’s new industrial relations spokesperson Kate Wilkinson used to work for the Exclusive Brethren as legal counsel in Christchurch. Considering her close associations with the Exclusive Brethren I wonder what concessions she wants to grant them. 
Heather Roy 
: Why does this Government have such a problem with two consenting adults freely engaging in capitalist acts for their mutual self-benefit? 
Hon RUTH DYSON 
: It depends whether there are third parties to the relationship who are not willing and consenting. 
Peter Brown 
: Has the Minister seen any reports or is she otherwise aware that many employers—particularly small employers—are not even acquainted with section 67 of the Employment Relations Act which provides for probationary employment; if she is aware of this will she take cognisance of the representations New Zealand First made to her that there should be an education campaign particularly for small employers? 
Hon RUTH DYSON 
: Yes I am aware of that fact. It was very obvious during submissions on Wayne Mapp’s bill that was defeated recently by this Parliament. I have taken notice of the representation of that member and agreed to an education campaign. 
Rodney Hide 
: Why is it this Government’s policy to insert a third party into the employment relationship when many New Zealanders do not want a bar of the unions? 
Hon RUTH DYSON 
: We do have voluntary unionism in New Zealand.