Being male ‘not a disadvantage,’ says Mr McLay

Press, 26 April 1979, Page 4

Being male ‘not a disadvantage,’ says Mr McLay

PA Wellington The Minister of Justice (Mr McLay) does not feel that his new role as the Government’s spokesman on women would necessarily be better handled by a woman. “I do not feel at all disadvantaged by being a man. I have always been interested in the issues and quite a lot of the legislation that affects them is the responsibility of the Minister of Justice anyway,” he said. Mr McLay has been involved in such legislation as the Matrimonial Property Act. He also sponsored a private member’s bill protecting women from unfair cross-examination in rape cases, which became law in 1977. He said he would concentrate on making sure the Government’s policy on women was adhered to, though his task would be to goad rather than implement. “It is not a ministerial responsibility, it is a spokesman’s—or spokesperson’s — responsibility. “I will ensure that women’s issues are before the Government at appropriate times and that statements are made on women’s issues.” The International Labour

Organisation’s convention prohibiting women from working night hours could come in for more attention, he said. “That is the sort of provision we should be doing something about. I would like to see the removal of that. “Unfortunately, the law is an 1.L.0. convention to which we are a signatory. We can-i not just walk into Parliament; and repeal it.” Mr McLay expected also toj work closely with the Minister of Education (Mr Wellington) and the caucus committee chairman (Mr J. Elliott) on issues connected with education as they affected women. He planned to describe the issues he would start with at future speaking engagements. “It is premature to spell anything out in detail yet," he said. Although he was aware that some groups would have! preferred the member ofi Parliament for Waipa (Ms I Marilyn Waring) as spokesman, he had noted favourable ! reactions from them on his appointment. He would look to Ms Waring for help, however. “She has obviously, and quite rightly, taken a real, active interest in women’s issues.”