Two topical Members Bills drawn in Parliamentary Ballot
Two Members’ bills on the topical issues of benefit review and international non-aggression have been picked in the Parliamentary Ballot today.
The Green Party sponsored bills are Kennedy Graham’s International Non-Aggression and Lawful Use of Force Bill and Sue Bradford’s Social Security (Benefit Review and Appeal Reform) Amendment Bill.
Dr Graham’s bill aims to stop New Zealand from unlawfully engaging in armed force against other countries.
Use of force by New Zealand troops would have to conform to the United Nations charter.
It would establish aggression as a crime in New Zealand law and make it illegal to plan, organise or execute an act of aggression, Dr Graham said.
He believes strengthening the rule of international law is the most effective way of promoting global and national security for all countries.
“And as a consequence of meeting their non-aggression obligations, the bill would protect New Zealand leaders against external pressure to commit troops overseas in illegal conflicts.”
Ms Bradford’s bill aims to provide a fair process for beneficiaries to challenge Work and Income decisions.
It would replace MSD’s Benefit Review Committees with an independent judicial process based on natural justice. Claimants would get a decision within three months, and Medical Appeal Boards would be replaced by a new independent review system.
“At a time when more and more people are reliant on income support, it is more important than ever that our benefit system be fair, functional and timely,” Ms Bradford said.
“This is a great opportunity to make a change which will be helpful not just to beneficiaries and superannuitants, but also to the MSD staff who currently administer a complex system that is creaking at the seams.”
Ms Bradford’s Social Security (Benefit Review and Appeal Reform) Amendment Bill: http://www.greens.org.nz/sites/default/files/Social%20Security%20_Benefit%20Review%20
and%20Appeal%20Reform_%20Amendmentv2.pdf
Dr Graham’s International Non-Aggression and Lawful Use of Force Bill: http://www.greens.org.nz/sites/default/files/090429%20Non%20aggression%20bill%20-%20Kennedy%20Graham.pdf