Currently, the Prime Minister can advise the Sovereign to appoint pretty much whoever they want as Governor-General. Since the Governor-General has significant constitutional powers in the formation and dissolution of governments, the power of their appointment should rest with the elected representatives of New Zealand, not just the Prime Minister.
The Bill I have submitted follows overseas practice, as used in Italy, Samoa and Israel to elect their heads of state. A candidate requires a super majority of two-thirds of MPs to be elected as Governor-General, and at least half of the parties represented in the House. This is so neither of the major parties can stitch up a deal for their favoured candidate (There are currently 7 parties represented in Parliament - a candidate would need to gain votes from at least four parties). The German and Indian systems are similar also, however, they use a combination of state and federal legislators to elect their presidents, requiring an overall majority of these two groups.
The Bill also defines the Governor-General's term in law as five years (as it is already de facto), and bars them from serving successive terms (again de facto practice).
Problems
- This may be seen as a move towards republicanism, as opposed to a more democratic monarchy.
- This isn't a progressive bill as such, it's aimed at creating "training wheels" for a republic, not strictly a left-wing issue
Questions:
Easier to number this I think:
Perhaps "a resolution of the House of Representatives passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its members and at least half of the parties represented in the House"?
I've seen it used in an (odd) other provision for a resolution of the House - but can't remember where… It would stop the two major parties stitching up a deal by themselves.
d
Ah yes, you did mention that to me… it's a good idea.
Did a quick search on Legislation.govt.nz, it could come from s147 of the EFA 2007:
147. Requirements before Minister can recommend that regulations be made
* (1) The Minister may not recommend the making of any regulations under section 145(1)(a) unless—
(a) the Minister has consulted with the Minister who is for the time being responsible for the administration of the Land Transport Act 1998; and
(b) the Minister is satisfied that the regulations do not restrict the rights of candidates and political parties any more than is reasonably necessary to ensure that an advertisement of a specified kind does not endanger the safety of road users; and
(c) the recommendation is agreed by at least half of the parliamentary leaders of all political parties represented in Parliament; and
(d) the members of Parliament of the political parties whose parliamentary leaders agree with the Minister's recommendation comprise at least 75% of all members of Parliament.
Why are we proposing the house elect the Governor General and not the public?
Because its more likely to be successful. But we can always draft a second bill, and see which one MPs are keener on. There's scope for differing levels of ambition here.
I would've thought most MPs would be keener to spend a little less time in the house, sadly ;)
Well, they spent a bit of time making speeches of congratulations when the incumbent Governor-General was appointed - why not use that time to elect them? ;-)
Well, Keith Locke already has a members' Bill (the Head of State (Referenda) Bill which could do that. This Bill is meant to be a "training wheels" approach to creating a republic - once New Zealand starts electing our de facto head of State, it's only a matter of time (probably by the end of the current Queen's reign) before we simply make them the actual head of State.
Well, Keith Locke already has a members' Bill (the Head of State (Referenda) Bill which could do that. This Bill is meant to be a "training wheels" approach to creating a republic - once New Zealand starts electing our de facto head of State, it's only a matter of time (probably by the end of the current Queen's reign) before we simply make them the actual head of State.
Fry and Laurie - Long live the Queen