COM 0500.001 1996-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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J.K. McLay Limited: Changing an Economy by Changing ics Public Sector +'83'-' ~ Minister. - After each general election, Parliament must meet within six weeks of the date fixed for the return of the Writs from the Chief Electoral Officer. These Writs name those who have been elected. Legislntt~re The Constitution Act provides that Parliament has full power to make laws. A Bill passed by the House becomes law when signed (assented) by the Sovereign or the Governor-General. Basic constitutional principles about Parliamentary control of public finance are also re- affirmed in the 1986 Act. The Crown may not levy taxes, raise loans or spend public money without Parliamentary authority (ie, by Act of Parliament). Since the 1996 election, Members of Parliament have been elected under with a new Mixed- Member-Proportional (MMP) electoral systemz introduced as a result of two referenda held in 1992 and 1993. Judiciary The provisions in the Constitution Act regarding the Judiciary are also based on long- established, constitutional principles. To ensure their independence, Court of Appeal and High Court Judges are protected against removal from office and reduction of salary. Constitutional change The laws and conventions that make up New Zealand's Constitution can change. For instance - • in 1983, the Letters Patrnt Constituting the Office of the Governor-General were rewritten to reflect changes in the role of the Governor-Genera; • the passage of the Official Information Act 1982 and the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 were both significant innovations; and • in 1992 and 1993, the country voted, in two referenda, to change the way in which Members of Parliament are elected. The new MMP system has had a substantial effect on the way New Zealand governments are formed and operate. Electoral Act 1993.