Finlayson Christopher: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume 
Finlayson Christopher: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 24 October 2007. Volume:643;Page:12652. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
11.  
CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (National) 
 to the  
Associate Minister of Commerce 
: Does she stand by her statement regarding the Copyright (New Technologies and Performers’ Rights) Amendment Bill that “It is part of a wider reform process to ensure that our intellectual property legislation is up to date relevant and takes account of international developments.”; if so why? 
Hon JUDITH TIZARD (Associate Minister of Commerce) 
: 
 I stand by my statement and would add that copyright law must operate to enhance the interests of all New Zealanders. To ensure that is the case we need to be aware of a range of factors including developments in technology business and personal use patterns and international practices. 
Christopher Finlayson 
: How can the bill be up to date when it does not cover new technological developments such as person-to-person filing-sharing? 
Hon JUDITH TIZARD 
: This legislation has been in the pipeline now for nearly 7 years. It has been negotiated across the vast range of interests of people who are concerned about intellectual property protection. Under this Government there have been seven pieces of legislation concerning this matter and indeed a number of new ones are coming through. 
Hon Brian Donnelly 
: Is it the Associate Minister’s understanding that should Supplementary Order Paper 154 prepared by Gordon Copeland be passed by this House in its current form free retransmission rights could be accorded to Internet users meaning local writers and producers may just as well pack up go overseas and carry out their work there? 
Hon JUDITH TIZARD 
: That view has been put forward and I shall look forward to the debate in the House. 
Christopher Finlayson 
: Does she agree with industry representatives who have said that the current definition of “communication work” would have serious and potentially harmful consequences for New Zealand’s copyright law and what does she plan to do about that? 
Hon JUDITH TIZARD 
: As the bill is at present before the House I expect it will be debated and that the matter of defining “communication work” will be resolved to the satisfaction of this Parliament. 
Christopher Finlayson 
: Can she confirm that her poor handling of copyright law reform has caused a rift in her relationship with the Prime Minister and has she had any inquiries from her caucus colleagues about job opportunities beginning from Thursday next week? 
Hon JUDITH TIZARD 
: There is no rift whatsoever and I look forward to the Prime Minister making any announcements that she chooses to make. 
Christopher Finlayson 
: Can she confirm that her negligent stewardship of this bill has resulted in Steve Maharey being appointed by the Prime Minister to supervise her work and in the unlikely event of her holding on to her portfolios next week who is to be her new minder? 
Hon JUDITH TIZARD 
: It is not unusual for the Minister of Broadcasting to have an interest in broadcasting matters under a copyright bill. That is pretty good communication. In the Labour-led Government we actually talk to each other.