Duncan Webb.
Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
The Labour Party has lodged a member’s bill to repeal the coalition’s controversial Regulatory Standards Act.
Last week New Zealand First leader Winston Peters vowed to campaign on repealing the legislation at next year’s election.
Labour MP Duncan Webb has now put a member’s bill in the biscuit tin in the hopes it gets drawn and read a first time this term.
“Labour has committed to scraping the Regulatory Standards Act in its first 100 days – but we don’t need to wait.
“We can do it right now, if Winston Peters is willing to walk the walk.”
Webb said he had contacted New Zealand First to ask for its support.
“Even though it [has] been obvious to everyone from the start, Winston Peters has finally admitted that this law is a bad idea, despite his party voting for it in Parliament.
“Today I’m giving him the chance to fix that mistake. I have contacted New Zealand First and asked for their support – let’s see if they will back their words with action.”
RNZ has approached New Zealand First for comment.
Webb said the National Party had risked everything “from our health to clean water and food safety” by choosing to back the law.
Winston Peters.
Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
“They’ve chosen corporate lobbyists over public interest – every National MP should hang their head in shame.
“Thousands of New Zealanders made submissions on this law. Fewer than 1 percent supported it. [Prime Minister] Christopher Luxon pushed ahead anyway – it shows how weak and out of touch he really is.
“This bill can get rid of this harmful law once and for all and with New Zealand First’s support, we can pass it.
“From heated homes to safe food, Kiwis should not be at the mercy of political whims.
“Labour will put Kiwis first, not corporate lobbyists. It’s time to repeal this law and restore common sense to our regulations. This is Winston Peters’ chance to do more than grab headlines – back my bill and help us scrap this law.”
Peters was expected to depart for southeast Asia, in his role as foreign affairs minister, on Tuesday.
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