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Beehive Blog: Terrorist Clearings and Reshuffle Dramas

By James Ellingham
Epoch Times Wellington staff
Nov 11, 2007

(The Epoch Times)
(The Epoch Times)

Well Solicitor-General David Collins did not mince his words. His criticisms of the Suppression of Terrorism Act were loud and clear; it is complex and unworkable legislation that means it is illegal for someone to fund or shelter or, heaven forbid, associate with a member of a terrorist entity.

Fair enough you might think. Here comes the crux though: being a member of that entity is not illegal.

Collins lambasted New Zealand's terrorism laws as he cleared those arrested in last month's so-called terror raids of having to face terrorism charges.

Ironic it is then that last week, parliament was in the final throws of "strengthening" that legislation.

One of the changes (or "enhancements") to the legislation is to give the Prime Minister complete control of who is and who is not designated a terrorist entity, with no judicial oversight.

It would have been interesting to see what would have happened had the amendments to the terrorism laws been in place pre-October 15.

The New Zealand police escaped criticism from Collins. One man who must have been thanking his lucky stars that their financial select committee review took place before Collins' decision was released was commissioner Howard Broad.

As it was, he sailed through questions at the Law and Order Committee, but one imagined that the likes of Simon Power would not have let him off so lightly if the Collins decision had been made before the hearing.

Also last week, the Employment Relations (Flexible Working Hours) Amendment Bill began its passage through the house.

A Green Party initiative, it is opposed by National and Act and, one imagines, businesses around New Zealand. By the way, I am writing this at 11pm on a Sunday.

One interesting feature of the week was to see how Labour's new ministerial lineup would stand up.

New health minister David Cunliffe provided the line of the week when he directed opposition spokesman Tony Ryall to "get back in your box" because Cunliffe is running the show.

Presumably that show includes the Capital and Coast District Health Board. Although charade is a more appropriate description for that.

Trevor Mallard also continued his rehabilitation, saying on Radio New Zealand that he will try and develop enthusiasm for his new role as environmental minister. Good to see clean and green New Zealand is in safe hands.

Another interesting feature of cabinet reshuffles is to see former ministers face the ignominy of returning to select committees.

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