Tizard Judith: Appropriation (Continuation of Interim Meaning of Funding for Parliamentary Purposes) Bill — In Committee 
Tizard Judith: Appropriation (Continuation of Interim Meaning of Funding for Parliamentary Purposes) Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:643;Page:13132] 
Hon JUDITH TIZARD (Minister of Consumer Affairs) 
: 
 This is a very simple bill but I find it fascinating that this bill which National’s leader in the House agreed to has been twisted by the Opposition whose members seem so concerned about democracy. But actually what they cannot bear is losing. They lost the last election in spite of the fact that they threw millions of dollars—millions of dollars before the time they thought the actual campaign period was—at it and they still lost. They colluded with the Exclusive Brethren to try to rort the system. It has been fascinating to hear the number of National people who have said over the last 18 months “I didn’t come into Parliament to waste my time in Opposition.” They thought they had bought the last election and they are really upset that they did not succeed in doing that. Now they want to ensure they can buy the next election by opposing this legislation when all this legislation does is enable parliamentarians to do their job. 
It is a very simple bill. It has nothing to do with the hysteria we have had from the member for Nelson who is one of the people in this Chamber who knows better what it is like to be on the wrong side of a court. He understands what it is like to break the law. Most of us do not because most of us as members of Parliament do our damnedest to observe the law. That is what I have always done since 1990 when I was first elected. I am proud to be part of a Government that was elected by ordinary New Zealanders decent people who want a future for themselves their children and their grandchildren. 
Hon Dr Nick Smith 
: Bunch of cheats—corrupt cheats. 
Hon JUDITH TIZARD 
: And the National Party shouts “corrupt cheats” about those New Zealanders who are decent human beings who just want a future. They do not want their futures bought and usurped. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: I raise a point of order Mr Chairperson. Although the member has responded I certainly take offence at the comment made by Dr Nick Smith and ask for it to be withdrawn. 
The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Clem Simich) 
: If Dr Smith would withdraw it please. 
Hon Dr Nick Smith 
: I withdraw. 
Hon JUDITH TIZARD 
: And what happens when people think they have bought something fair and square as the National Party thought it had bought the last election? They get upset and resort to personal abuse. Well we have had a lot of personal abuse in this House today. I am appalled that National members are so unsure of their own arguments that they choose to use what outside this House would be slander—that outside this House would be called words we cannot use in this House. 
I am delighted to support this bill which has the support of a majority of Parliament. And rather than shrieking personal abuse I suggest that members opposite get on with being decent MPs at which point they may start to regain some of the respect they have lost from even their own supporters.