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Source: ONE News -
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Labour is making hay out of a government mistake over its repeal of the Electoral Finance Act.
The Bill was supposed to go through its first two readings under urgency on Thursday night but Leader of the House Gerry Brownlee made a procedural mistake meaning the legislation now won't be debated until next Tuesday.
Brownlee made an error on an urgency motion when he adjourned the debate to clarify the length of time the House would sit. This meant that due to parliament's standing orders, debate on the repeal Bill had to be deferred until next Tuesday.
Labour challenged attempts to continue debate on the legislation but was prepared to relent, however the Green Party, which opposes the repeal Bill, blocked the attempt and it now can't be considered until next week.
Labour MP Darren Hughes says it's an embarrassing blunder on a piece of legislation that is part of the government's 100 day action plan.
He says it's a reminder to the government that it is operating in an MMP environment and needs to show processes more respect.
