O'Connor Simon: Joint Family Homes Repeal Bill — First Reading 
Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume 
O'Connor Simon: Joint Family Homes Repeal Bill — First Reading 
[Sitting date: 25 July 2012. Volume:682;Page:3930. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
SIMON O’CONNOR (National—Tamaki) 
: 
 I am very pleased to take this call in reply. May I acknowledge Ms Genter’s last speech. I am always amazed at her ability to get the matter of parking into any debate question or conversation. It really is quite the skill. I suppose it is related because most homes do have an area to park. It is a question that was often put up: why does one park on a driveway? I just leave you with that particular question there. I think it was George Carlin who came up with that. 
I want to just thank the House for the generosity in this debate and the support that has been demonstrated. I think generosity in the House around bills is important but I want to draw attention to the fact that this is a member’s bill; this is not a Government bill. Part of our democratic structure and process is to allow members by their choice and volition to introduce bills into the House for discussion. Although I noted in my initial speech that the Hon Jo Goodhew had this bill the Joint Family Homes Repeal Bill initially I was very happy to put my name to it. It was something that I took my time to consider. 
Again it is for two I suppose simple reasons. The first which has been highlighted by my colleagues and others here is the removal of discrimination. I think that is an important element and I am very pleased as the MP for Tamaki to be involved with that. I am pleased that the Green Party in particular has acknowledged that. I must say to the member Holly Walker that I was not thinking of her in particular but I am most pleased that this is of benefit to her and her partner as well. But the other part is again that principle that our statute book needs to be clear and concise and about good law. I think that is a really important aspect for me as a legislator coming into this House. 
I have noted the concern from some members about whether this is going to be the zenith of my career and so forth—concern that I might have been put up to this. Well I have good news for the House—good news. I see this as just the first step on the ladder. As I noted in my speech it is very important to learn the process and to take a bill through. Fortunately between these two ears there are certainly plenty more ideas and thoughts for bills to come. But when it comes to the luck of the next ballot we will have to see how that works. We will have to continue maybe to be in Government and proceed that way as well. I do thank the honourable members for that concern but yes the news for the House is that I intend—with the good graces of my electorate—to be around for a while and progress more legislation. 
Turning back then to the repeal bill—well actually before I turn to the bill I should acknowledge Dr Cam Calder’s mention of 1964. It was very useful Dr Calder seeing as I was not around in 1964—or 1974 for that matter. It was a useful and quick history lesson—[ 
Interruption 
] Scurrilous really. We will not draw that out. But the repeal bill fortunately in 1984—I think something else happened there as well. 
Coming back to the bill itself I have just a few messages for those who are following this debate with interest. The Joint Family Homes Act of 1964 importantly—for those listening at home—was only for unsecured creditors it was a limited amount of money that covered your home and it was an Act that is now redundant due to the removal of things like death duties stamp duties gift duties and so forth. It was an Act whose time ended many years ago. 
I commend the Law Commission and those involved for putting forward the recommendations in 2001 those who translated it into a bill before the House Jo Goodhew for originally sponsoring it and colleagues on all sides of the House for the veracity of the debate on this bill. I think that today this bill will be the highlight. I am not sure how members will cope after this but I am looking forward to that debate. I thank you all once again. I recommend the bill to the House. 
Bill read a first time.  
Bill referred to the Justice and Electoral Committee.