If there’s one thing the political left does much better than the right, it’s submit.
That could be because people on the right are getting on with their lives and work and are less concerned about giving their views.
It could also be, at least for now, that they’re more likely to be supportive of proposed legislation and people are more likely to submit when they’re opposed to something than when they’re in favour of it.
Whatever the reason, it would be helpful if there was a bit more balance in submissions on legislation such as the Crown Minerals (Permitting and Crown Land) Bill.
This bill is an omnibus bill and amends the Crown Minerals Act 1991, the Conservation Act 1987, the Continental Shelf Act 1964, the Reserves Act 1977, and the Wildlife Act 1953. This bill aims to promote prospecting for, exploration for, and mining of Crown owned minerals for the benefit of New Zealand. . .
. . . encourage the responsible development of Crown-owned minerals, so that they will contribute even more to New Zealand’s economic development. They will also streamline and simplify the regime where appropriate, bring it into line with the regulatory reform agenda, and make it better able to deal with future developments. The bill will insert a purpose statement into the Act that demonstrates the Government’s commitment to growth of the sector. The purpose of the Act will be to promote prospecting for, exploration for, and mining of Crown-owned minerals for the benefit of New Zealand, by providing for the efficient allocation rights to prospect for, explore for, and mine Crown-owned minerals, and for the effective management and regulation of the exercise of those rights, and for a fair financial return to the Crown for its minerals. . .
The left, and particularly the dark green section of the left, are sure to submit in force against the Bill.
It would be helpful to the government if people who support the Bill make submissions to give some balance to the inevitable debate.
You can find out how to make a submission on the first link above and find out more about the Bill at the second.
Submissions must be made by Friday November 2nd.
Submissions are also sought on the draft minerals programme. The close off for these is december 5th.
