Colin Espiner has picked up on the strange position National seems to be putting itself into over the anti-smacking legislation. This morning I read in the Dom Post that John Key had said that National might overturn the legislation if good parents were criminalised and so far he hadn't seen any evidence of that.
Obviously to Key, having police turn up on a parent's doorstep to question them about smacking little Johnny is of no consequence, or at this point, Key seems confident that he can avert that point. But, at the same time, he's trying to gain all the traction he can with the latest referendum on smacking that Helen Clark doesn't want put on ballot at the coming election.
Related link:National’s position on smacking confusing
Obviously to Key, having police turn up on a parent's doorstep to question them about smacking little Johnny is of no consequence, or at this point, Key seems confident that he can avert that point. But, at the same time, he's trying to gain all the traction he can with the latest referendum on smacking that Helen Clark doesn't want put on ballot at the coming election.
Just an update on the “smacking” legislation. I was intrigued today to see National’s leader John Key leading off questions in the House today on the timing of a referendum over the issue. National further followed this up with slots during the general debate this afternoon.Somehow, I don't think the will of the people is relevant to Key unless it is favourable. And so far, National seems to be in most people's eyes much better than the current Labour Government. And how could it not? But unless I see something definite about repealing the repeal, I will not vote for them. The smacking legislation is my measuring stick of trustworthiness.
I think this is dangerous territory for National. Key appears to believe he can slate the Government for deciding not to hold a referendum on whether or not smacking should be a criminal offence with this year’s general election, while at the same time supporting the legislation the referendum seeks to overturn.
Key today accused Prime Minister Helen Clark of “suppressing the will of the New Zealand people” by holding the referendum by postal ballot some time next year, rather than at the election. Does this mean he will follow the “will of the people” and overturn Sue Bradford’s child discipline law if National wins the election?
Related link:National’s position on smacking confusing