Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Fears Rugby World Cup minister will get too much power

Updated at 5:24 pm on 29 September 2010

The Labour Party is concerned a bill to facilitate Rugby World Cup activities will give Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully too much power.

The Government Administration Committee has reported back to Parliament on the Rugby World Cup 2011 Empowering Bill.

The bill establishes the Rugby World Cup Authority as an agency for approval of related activities and facilities such as liquor licenses and accommodation.

Labour's Rugby World Cup spokesperson Trevor Mallard says the party is generally happy with the bill, but is concerned it enables Mr McCully to override decisions made by the authority.

Mr Mallard says Labour will move an amendment to limit the minister's power when the bill comes back to Parliament.

A spokesperson for Mr McCully says the select committee report did not raise the matter, but Labour is entitled to put up an amendment.

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