Key determined to push through Search and Surveillance Bill
Prime Minister determined to make the Search and Surveillance Bill law, despite opposition to the controversial legislation.
Prime Minister John Key remains determined to make the Search and Surveillance Bill law, despite opposition to the controversial legislation.
After some earlier false starts, parts three, four and five of the bill will be battled out in the committee stage today, with the third reading expected to take place soon.
“Until now the National Party have mowed over our concerns," Labour's David Parker says.
"It’s obvious the prime minister is determined to push it through despite the widespread concern over the breadth of the Serious Fraud Office power in respect of production orders and examination orders, which undermine the right to silence and put media freedoms at risk,” MrParker told NBR Online.
Justice minister Judith Collins said earlier all surveillance activities of the Police would be halted should the bill not be passed by April 17."
Ms Collins said this would compromise police investigations and could allow criminals to have “free reign”. Labour accused Ms Collins of “fear mongering,” arguing that there was no reason why the SFO should not be included in the bill.
Part three deals with protection orders and directly relates to the Serious Fraud Office’s ability to demand documents from media organisations without a warrant - a contentious issue expected to prompt strong debate.
It was these powers which allowed the SFO to obtain documents from The National Business Review in 2010 relating to the collapse of South Canterbury Finance.
While Labour agrees with much of the bill, it contends the SFO powers should be standardised with those of the police.
Mr Parker predicted heated debate this afternoon but he doesn't expect changes.
Melody Brandon
Tue, 20 Mar 2012
Tue, 20 Mar 2012
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Key determined to push through Search and Surveillance Bill
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