August 21, 2013
GCSB SOP to Dunne not doing it for Māori Party
The Māori Party says last minute changes to the Government Communications Security Bureau Bill are political posturing.
The supplementary order papers were introduced to secure the vote of Orariu MP Peter Dunne, which will allow the bill to pass despite the Māori Party voting against the Government.
Co-leader Tariana Turia says the Māori Party can see no justification for the extraordinary extension of the powers of the GCSB.
Rather than being confined to collecting intelligence on foreign nationals and governments, the GCSB will be allowed to snoop on New Zealander residents and citizens on behalf of a wide range of government agencies, as well as its foreign partners.
Mrs Turia says there is no guarantee under this bill that the rights of New Zealanders to freedom of expression and freedom from unreasonable search or seizure under New Zealand law will be upheld.
She says groups that will be unfairly targeted by the new law include those objecting to economic activity or protesting against government laws and legislation.
Copyright © 2013, UMA Broadcasting Ltd