National and GST

Audrey Young covers the National GST problem and gives quite a good overview of the issue, possible scenarios etc.

One solution which a barrister mentioned to me last week was for National to alter its bill allowing the GST to be paid back legally, from a Member’s bill to a private bill. Standing Order 254 sets out the difference and on the face of it this is a bill “promoted by a person or body of
persons (whether incorporated or not) for the particular interest or benefit of that person or body of persons”

The difference between a private bill and a Member’s bill is a private bill can be introduced by way of petition to the House, hence not needing to rely on it being drawn out of the ballot. There are notice provisions for a private bill and a $2,000 fee but this is minor.

LBJ at Sir H’s blogged on this possibility a while back also.