Advert catches out Anderton

Jim Anderton surprised his party found in breach of electoral laws by running advert about BZP law change

4 August 2008
Progressive leader Jim Anderton is surprised his party has been found in breach of new electoral laws.

The Electoral Commission has ruled an advertisement run by the Progressive Party in the Southland Times in April about BZP was an election advert and did not carry a promoter statement as required. It has referred the matter to the police.

Mr Anderton says the situation seems bizarre and he acknowledges the Electoral Finance Act has created issues around his ability to do his job. He believes putting out an advertisement advising people of a law change was an appropriate thing to do as he is the Associate Minister of Health.

Mr Anderton doubts anyone thought political parties would end up being caught out by the fine print of the legislation and believes the Act should be reviewed.

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