WWLA SUBMISSIONS

WWLA regularly makes submissions on legislation and proposals which affect women in general or women lawyers in particular (in line with our constitutional objectives).  Individual members are free to make their own submissions to select committees. We encourage members to do so.

Catherine Rodgers co-ordinates the prepartion of submissions. Please contact her if you wish to contribute to submissions being drafted by WWLA at: catheriner@ohrp.org.nz

SUPPLEMENTARY SUBMISSIONS: EVIDENCE BILL March 2006

Click here.

SUPPLEMENTARY SUBMISSIONS: EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS (FLEXIBLE WORKING HOURS) BILL March 2006

Click here.

CRIMES (ABOLITION OF FORCE AS A JUSTIFICATION FOR CHILD DISCIPLINE) AMENDMENT BILL February 2006

To view a copy of WWLA's submissions on the "anti-smacking" Bill click here. 

EVIDENCE BILL August 2005

To view a copy of WWLA's submission on the admissibility of evidence of the previous sexual experience of complainants in sexual cases, which we said needed to be considerably tightened, click here.

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS (FLEXIBLE WORKING HOURS) BILL July 2005

To view a copy of WWLA's submission supporting the Bill but also suggesting extension of its provisions to a wider category of eligible employees, click here.

CIVIL UNION BILL and RELATIONSHIPS (STATUTORY REFERENCES) BILL August 2004

WWLA supported the Civil Union Bill but said that a discrimination issue remained because gay and lesbian people were still unable to choose to be married.  To view a copy of WWLA's submission, click here.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION PAPER: APPOINTING JUDGES - A JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS COMMISSION FOR NEW ZEALAND July 2004

WWLA provided the Ministry of Justice with an extensive submission which included references to processes used overseas to ensure merit based appointments as well as equitable access to judicial appointment by women and minority groups.  We supported the idea of a Judicial Appointments Commission, but as well stressed the need for the development of a broad set of criteria to define "merit", which should include personal qualities as well as legal experience (as happens in Canada for example).  We also suggested that a wider pool of candidates needed to be considered for appointment including legal academics and lawyers working in the public service.  To view a copy of WWLA's submission, click here.

CRIMES AMENDMENT BILL (No 2) April 2004

To view a copy of WWLA's submission which includes suggested changes to the reasonable belief in consent defence available in respect of some sexual offences, click here.

EQUAL PAY PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS LAW REFORM BILL February 2004

To view a copy of WWLA's submission which was critical of the processes contained in the Bill for challenging equal pay issues at work, click here.  Note that in part due to opposition from organisations and groups inclusing WWLA the part of the Bill relating to equal pay was not enacted and the Equal Pay Act 1972 remains in force.

JUDICIAL MATTERS BILL November 2003 

To view a copy of WWLA's submission on the issue of part-time judges, click here.

CARE OF CHILDREN BILL September 2003 

To view a copy of WWLA's submission, click here.

PROSTITUTION LAW REFORM BILL 2003  

WWLA's submission expressed the view that while recognising that prostitution reform involves difficult issues, on balance we supported the Bill, with amendments.  Thank you to those who responded to the call for views and assistance in our last newsletter.  We appreciate your time and input.

HUMAN RIGHTS ACT re-evaluation  

Our thanks to Dr Petra Butler as co-ordinator of WWLA's submission.  On 6 March in reply to a question from Dr Wayne Mapp about amendments to the Human Rights Act 1993, Margaret Wilson (then Associate Minister of Justice), said the independent report on the Human Rights Act 1993 and New Zealand's human rights protection agencies had been released for public consultation and that analysis of the public submissions is underway. "In addition, consistent with our manifesto promises, the government has recommended an audit of all legislation, practices and policies to identify inconsistencies with the Human Rights Act 1993. Government will be taking policy decisions on the results of both of these processes later this year and it is likely this will include consideration of what, if any amendments to the Human Rights Act 1993 are necessary."