Summarised by Centrist
Don Brash of Hobson’s Pledge is critical of former National Party leader Sir John Key’s recent call to “take the temperature down” in discussions on race relations.
Brash argues that avoiding tough conversations has perpetuated long-term division and prevents progress towards equal rights.
Brash, himself a former leader of the National Party, asserts that issues like ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill, the repeal of Section 7AA from the Oranga Tamariki Act, and the Marine and Coastal Area Act, must be openly debated.
“The reality is, if we had always trod carefully and feared stepping on toes, we wouldn’t have achieved nearly as much progress in halting separatism as we have,” he writes.
Brash asks:
“What is there to disagree with in the Treaty Principles Bill?”
He argues that it aims to define the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, clarifying its articles for contemporary and future relevance without altering the Treaty itself.
It addresses the lack of democratic consultation on the Treaty principles and that the Treaty intended equality for all, not preferential treatment based on ancestry.
The Bill promotes equality before the law. Brash writes that the controversy surrounding the Bill, rather than its content, should be a concern for the National Party.
As Brash notes, “Capitulating to special interests is not a sign of respect or caring.”
