Stand up for free speech, stand against Bully State
Written By:
- Date published:
11:32 am, August 7th, 2009 - 21 comments
Categories: activism, democracy under attack, democratic participation, human rights -
Tags: bully state, paula bennett
As you know, when Natasha Fuller and Jennifer Johnston spoke up against the Key government’s cancelling of the Training Incentive Allowance, Paula Bennett tried to silence them by releasing their private information to the media.
That was a flagrant breach of her fiduciary duties as minister and the Privacy Act, and a threat to free speech.
Nonetheless, Bennett claimed that by speaking out, Fuller and Johnston had given ‘implied consent’ for their information to be released.
It’s not good enough.
Now, Timothy Grigg, who set up the ‘Bully Bennett Must Go!‘ Facebook group has launched a petition, to be tabled in Parliament. By signing on, you are standing up for our right to free speech. You are stating that if you should speak out against a government policy that does not give express or implied consent for your personal information to be released. You are telling Bennett and bullies like her that such abuse of power is not acceptable and you will not be silenced.
Click on the image below for a full size copy of the petition form. Sign it. Send it in (it’s freepost). Show this government you won’t allow your rights to be trampled on.
21 comments on “Stand up for free speech, stand against Bully State ”
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- Release: Labour has lost confidence in the Speaker
The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...1 week ago
- One year on, still no progress on new ferries
Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nicola Willis’ smaller ferries will cost more
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...2 weeks ago
- Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
- Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare
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- Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
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- Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...2 weeks ago - Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre
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- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
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- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...2 days ago
- New intelligence oversight appointments
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- New housing developments able to progress more quickly
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- Actions to speed up air travel delivering results
The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...2 days ago
- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...2 days ago
- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...2 days ago
- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...2 days ago
- Ngāruawāhia section of Waikato Expressway back to 4 lanes for Christmas
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- Appointments to the ENZ board
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- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
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- More gangs added to Gangs Act list
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- GDP data highlights importance of growth
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- Strengthening Free Speech in Universities
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- Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge
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- Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge
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- Inspector-General of Defence appointed
Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Horsley’s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. “He is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...4 days ago
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
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- More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses
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- Hawke’s Bay Expressway moving at pace
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- Government seeks partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned-land
The Government today released a request for information (RFI) to seeking interest in partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned land with low farming and conservation value (excluding National Parks) Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. “Planting trees on Crown-owned land will drive economic growth by creating more forestry jobs in our regions, providing more wood ...4 days ago
- Wide ranging legislation to make justice system more efficient
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- Diverse skills in community trust appointments
A total of 41 appointments and reappointments have been made to the 12 community trusts around New Zealand that serve their regions, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says. “These trusts, and the communities they serve from the Far North to the deep south, will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, ...4 days ago
- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
The Government has confirmed how it will provide redress to survivors who were tortured at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit). “The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that many of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and ...4 days ago
- A busy year in the House
It has been a busy, productive year in the House as the coalition Government works hard to get New Zealand back on track, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. “This Government promised to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living. Our record this ...4 days ago
- Consultation opens on working with engineered stone
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- Greater reporting on Treaty settlement commitments
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- New appointments to the Charities Registration Board
Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...4 days ago
- Building consent processing times improve
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- Faster access to support through Innovation Fund
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- New Zealand to assist Vanuatu on earthquake response
New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...5 days ago
- Government takes steps to reduce card fees for Kiwis
The Government welcomes the Commerce Commission’s plan to reduce card fees for Kiwis by an estimated $260 million a year, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.“The Government is relentlessly focused on reducing the cost of living, so Kiwis can keep more of their hard-earned income and live a ...5 days ago
- Review recommends ECE regulation shakeup
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- Offshore Renewable Energy Bill passes first reading
The Government‘s Offshore Renewable Energy Bill to create a new regulatory regime that will enable firms to construct offshore wind generation has passed its first reading in Parliament, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand currently does not have a regulatory regime for offshore renewable energy as the previous government failed ...5 days ago
- Local Government (Water Services) Bill passes first reading
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- Gene Technology Bill passes first reading
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printed, signed, ready to go!
captcha – ‘widespread’
count me in too. We can’t have politicians ignoring our rights when it suits them politically.
That was a flagrant breach of her fiduciary duties as minister
Does a minister really owe fiduciary duties to every citizen of New Zealand? That seems a bit impracticable.
Are you sure Eddie? Or do you just not know what a fiduciary is?
“A fiduciary is someone who has undertaken to act for and on behalf of another in a particular matter in circumstances which give rise to a relationship of trust and confidence.”
ah, wikipedia, ensmartening me since 2006
Yes. I know what it is.
And this isn’t one of those circumstances.
Yes it is! It was also a flagrant abuse of her power and her responsibility to protect the privacy of the people she was attacking.
Great, another useless waste of tax payer dollars.
Free Post MY ARSE, who do you think foots the bill ? Us the tax payers.
These petitions will achieve nothing.
oh, guys, you have to give up your right to petition Parliament because it costs vidiot a tiny fraction of a cent.
Btw, were you complaining about the cost when the truckers brought our public thoroughfares to a halt this time last year?
“Another useless waste of tax payer dollars”
50 cents to remind the government that they are not above the law seems to be a bargain to me. In the past people have died to achieve the same thing.
And would you not rather have that 50 cents spent on Chris Carter and his exotic jaunts ? Or are Ms Fuller & Johnston more worthy recipients ?
It’s a recession – you cut un-necessary spending, you don’t spend more (when you don’t have any to begin with).
So if I surrender my entitlement to free postage to parliament and put a 50c stamp on the envelope, with the full knowledge that the will achieve nothing (do you think that this is because there are none so deaf as those who will not listen?), can I have the moral high ground?
In return it would be great if you could write to Sir Roger Douglas and Bill English and tell them about cutting unnecessary spending. Don’t let me stop you from using the free post, either, I don’t mind you doing it.
Quite, right, with the small exception of every other country in the western world, who are injecting cash to kick start their economies. But lets stand in splendid isolation as a monument to the purity of the free market model. Forward to the Past!
What about the risk that people signing will have their personal details ‘outed’?
well, the petition expressly says that opposing the government does not give implied consent to release that information – so any minister who does will be breaking the privacy act.
Petitions are presented to Parliament most sitting days, I’ve never heard of it coming back to bite them and I don’t think we can live in fear of such retribution in a democracy.
How very orwellion, where petitioning to censor a minister is described as “protecting free speech”
For goodness sake MikeE, the right to free speech is tempered in a number of ways, for example libel laws, hate speech laws and the Privacy Act. All the petition asks is that the government respects and enforces existing rights about privacy. The minister should be censured, she isn’t being censored.
There’s a long and proud history of people petitioning the Crown and its ministers to state their rights and lodge objections to abuses of those rights. You might have heard of this one http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petition_of_Right
One of these days we might actually engage with the 21st century and allowing digital signatures online. Print out a whole page just for one lousy signature (mine) and post it all the way to NZ?!
I shall, for the sake of democracy. But bloody hell… *mutter mumble*
There’s something the Greens could usefully do… encourage e-government initiatives and save a snowshoe-sized carbon footprint every time I fire up the printer, produce a page, waste an envelope, and pay Australia Post to fire up various trucks and jet planes just to allow a single sheet of A4 to alight on a bureaucrat’s desk in NZ.
[Oh, and the stamp will be paid for in Australian money. So no worries there].
hopefully they’re not using those trucks and airplanes just for your letter 🙂
I mean… I know mail volumes are down and all
The price they charge for anything bigger than one page of A4, I thought I was being charged to have a footman flown across to deliver it on a velvet cushion.
It may be only a matter of perception, but I have thus far seen no difference between this Government and the last. Bullying, controlling, corrupt, power hungry and nannying. I am no fan of either. Fortunately, their actions make them less & less relevant. Sadly, we are more & more dependent.