Crimes (Match-fixing) Amendment Bill

A very quick question to the Minister: is he prepared to answer the straight questions that were asked on previous clauses now?

I did give the Committee very plain answers to each of the questions in respect of who leads the enforcement, which was the question that was raised by Jacinda Ardern. I said that it would be the police that would lead the enforcement. I was asked the question as to who would be responsible where a corrupt offence occurred and some of it occurred in Australia and some of the betting or some part of the offence was committed in New Zealand. My answer was that if any part of the deception occurred in New Zealand, that would enable a charge to be laid under the Crimes Act in New Zealand. I was asked the question about the sporting codes, and I again restate the answer, and that is in May the Minister for Sport and Recreation released a policy around ensuring integrity in our sports. That developed into each of the sporting codes developing its code of ethics, because this is about the highest offences. A person who commits a crime against the Crimes Act and against this betting offence is subject to up to 8 years’ imprisonment but it is perfectly proper that each sporting code also, in parallel, develops its sporting code.

I reiterate that reasonable questions will be answered but I stress again that this bill has been before the House for 6 months. This bill has been to a select committee. No amendments have been put forward by any member. This is a very straightforward amendment that Parliament needs to get on and pass so that New Zealand can successfully host the Cricket World Cup with integrity, and I think that is what all members of the Committee would like us to do.

Clause 4 agreed to.

Bill to be reported without amendment presently.