Critics are saying the new anti terrorism laws are being rushed through Parliament too quickly.
There was widespread support in parliament at the first reading stage of the Countering Terrorist Fighters Legislation Bill which passed its first reading on Tuesday by 107 votes to 14.
There is some concern being expressed however at the limited time available for the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Select Committee to hear submissions.
Marama Fox, Maori Party co-leader, says that her party which supported the first reading of the bill is “appalled by the indecent haste that this important piece of legislation is tracking through the law-making process.”
The committee, which is hearing submissions under urgency, will report back to Parliament next Tuesday.
The Government wants the bill passed before the House rises for Christmas on 11 December.
The Law Society, the Privacy Commission and the Human Rights Commission have voiced concerns about some aspects of the Bill.
But Chris Finlayson, the Minister in Charge of the SIS, told Radio New Zealand’s Morning Report the measures were to tackle a fast-moving situation.
“This is an interim bill to deal with the quickly emerging problem of foreign terrorist fighters,” he said.
“We’re basically doing what the UN Security Council Resolution 2178 asked all member countries to do – take steps to stop people leaving our shores and going and fighting.
“The full review of all security legislation will be held next year … People will have an opportunity to make submissions on every piece of legislation.”
On behalf of the Law Society, Sir Geoffrey Palmer has told the select committee that MPs needed more time to consider the bill.
“Legislation that is rushed, where there is insufficient time to consider its detail, often ends up missing its target or actually causing unexpected consequences,” he said.
“The proposed laws substantially interfered with, and reduced, human rights and individual liberties.”
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