Government scraps plans for referendum on four-year parliamentary term

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says the coalition agreements secured getting legislation to select committee only. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The Government has scrapped plans for a referendum on a four-year parliamentary term.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says the coalition agreements secured getting legislation to the select committee stage and no further.

“We won’t be progressing with a referendum on a four-year term at this election,” he said.

“To have a referendum would require passing the bill through the rest of its stages, with enough time to prepare.

“It’s something that a future Government might do, but our priority is progressing legislation that will help fix the basics in law and order.”

– RNZ