The four members’ bills
My column in the Herald (now published Thursdays) was on the members’ bill ballot. This was timed with four bills being drawn from the ballot. They are:
| 50 | Overseas Investment (Restriction on Foreign Ownership of Land) Amendment Bill | Dr Russel Norman |
| 24 | Habeas Corpus Amendment Bill | Chris Auchinvole |
| 35 | Local Government (Salary Moderation) Amendment Bill | Hon Annette King |
| 52 | Prohibition of Gang Insignia in Government Premises Bill | Todd McClay |
Dr Norman’s bill would ban foreign ownership of “sensitive land”. This is any non-urban land greater than 0.05 square kilometers!
Chris Auchinvole’s bill implements some recommendations from the Law Commission on habeas corpus applications. Mainly seems to be giving Judges slightly more discretion in dealing with them.
Annette King’s would require the State Services Commissioner to approve local authority CEO remuneration packages, as they do for government departments. Technically a bit of a breach of the independence of local bodies, but worth supporting at least for first reading as may be a useful tool for keeping relativity between central and local government.
Todd McClay’s would ban gang insignia being displayed within government (central and local) premises.