M.P.s ‘entitled to privacy’

Press, 11 February 1986, Page 2

M.P.s ‘entitled to privacy’

PA Hamilton The New Zealand Party leader, Mr Galvin, yesterday attacked Government moves to require members of Parliament to declare publicly their assets and sources of income.

Describing such moves as a "blatant abuse of individual rights,” Mr Galvin said that opening a register showing assets and income of individual members of Parliament would serve no useful purpose other than to allow public scrutiny of politicians’ private affairs. “To suggest that such a register will prevent abuse of the power of members of Parliament in

areas where they may have a conflict of interest is a slur on the character and integrity of members past and present,” he said. “There have been very few, if any, cases of members behaving in such a manner, and the only effect of introducing such legislation will be to deter people with assets and outside income, but with a high regard for their privacy, from entering politics,” Mr Galvin said. “Constitutionally, the only requirement to enter the House of Representatives should be New Zealand citizenship and the attainment of certain age, plus, of course, a mandate from one’s constitutents.

Any other tag from any Government should be regarded asjnvalid.”