Rather in an MMP Parliament policy-making is complicated and requires concessions from parties.

He says because no one party has a majority on the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee the minister proposing a bill “cannot be certain…what shape it will be in when it emerges, which means that the power of submissions to the select committee to influence the outcome is much greater than ever before.”

Dunne notes GPG managed to get changes to the bill by using full-page newspaper ads.

“The select committee submission process will allow a further opportunity for the public to air its views.

He says he is looking forward to the Select Committee process.

“Select committee scrutiny of the bill will be invaluable to fine-tuning the proposed changes and will undoubtedly throw light on any unintended effects. “I am encouraging all those with a view on the bill, whether it be that they do not like what has been proposed, or that they think we have got it wrong, or have not gone far enough in some cases to come along and have their say.”

His strong advice to potential submitters is don’t just say if you are for or against the bill as that has limited value.

“I for one am much more interested in hearing specific, practical proposals on how the legislation can be improved, and I would urge all those making submissions to focus on that aspect, rather than just whether they like the bill or not.