18 Sep 2013

Govt 'picking a battle over rosettes'

7:05 pm on 18 September 2013

Labour Party MP, Andrew Little, says the Government is picking a battle if it tries to ban the wearing of party rosettes or ribbons on election day.

The Electoral Amendment Bill which passed its first reading last night would restrict the wearing of such items to scrutineers inside polling places.

Mr Little says the wearing of rosettes on election day is not election advertising, and there is absolutely no need for the ban.

Justice Minister Judith Collins says she will leave the matter to the select committee, which is now considering the legislation.