19 Sep 2008

Electoral Commission decision bizarre, says Anderton

10:11 am on 19 September 2008

The Electoral Commission has referred an electronic newsletter by Progressive Party leader Jim Anderton to police for breaching the Electoral Finance Law.

The commission says the newsletter did not contain a promoter statement.

Mr Anderton says he is surprised at the decision because the newsletter is a collection of press releases sent to people who requested it.

He says it is part of his normal business as an MP and cabinet minister.

Mr Anderton described the decision as bizarre and says referring the matter to police is an extraordinary waste of time.

He says he will vigorously defend his position.