MAORI RADICALS ADVERT NOT IN BREACH - ASA

The Advertising Standards Authority has rejected a complaint about ACT's controversial "Fed up with pandering to Maori radicals?" newspaper advertisement. Twelve people argued the advert was "misleading, offensive, racist, in breach of the requirement for a due sense of social responsibility and likely to play on fear". The ASA said a political party advocating a robust view on matters of public interest allowed the public to see the party's position. There was no breach of codes and no grounds for the complaints to proceed, it ruled.

CHILD ABUSE LAW CHANGE HEADS TO SECOND READING

A new law to make it a crime to turn a blind eye to child abuse has won support from a parliamentary select committee. Legislation to make it a crime for adults to fail to protect children or other vulnerable people from death, sex abuse or injury was introduced this year and follows Law Commission recommendations in the wake of the deaths of twins Chris and Cru Kahui. The social services committee has recommended small technical changes to the Crimes Amendment Bill (No 2). The bill will now progress to its second reading.

NO SPARE TIME FOR ENVIRONMENT CHAMPION

Environment Commissioner Jan Wright had a busy parliamentary day yesterday. She appeared before a select committee to defend her claims for more 1080 use on conservation land and called for less lignite mining. Dr Wright also called on the Conservation Department to better inform the public about the need for, and benefit of, 1080. Then last night a reception was held in Parliament's Grand Hall to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the creation of her role. Environment Minister Nick Smith hosted and about 200 people gathered to celebrate.

FINGERPRINT LOOPHOLE FOR YOUTH OFFENDERS CLOSED

Parliament hurriedly closed a legal loophole which means police can now legally store the fingerprints and other identifying details of youth offenders. The Policing (Storage of Youth Particulars) Amendment Bill was introduced under urgency yesterday morning and passed within hours, after a secret deal was struck with Labour. The Greens and Maori Party objected. A drafting error in a bill drawn up in 2008 meant police were illegally storing details. Police Minister Judith Collins said young offenders could potentially have challenged a conviction.

- © Fairfax NZ News