ACT and NZ First have publicly disagreed over the handling of a bill to reform workplace safety laws, with each party contesting the other's account of consultation.
Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden accused NZ First of raising objections to the Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill only at the final stage, despite having two years to provide input. She said "it's a surprise to me that this politicking is happening at the 11th hour".
Van Velden said she held one meeting about a month earlier with staff from Winston Peters' office and another NZ First MP to outline potential changes. She said those present flagged minor points but offered nothing concrete and proposed no amendments. "From my side, I thought everything actually went quite well," she said.
Peters disputed that account, saying "we presented a month ago our concerns to the minister, she's now denying we haven't presented them". An NZ First spokesperson said the party had been in regular contact with van Velden and had put forward detailed feedback and proposed amendments. The party also said van Velden declined a meeting request on Tuesday.
Van Velden confirmed MP Mark Patterson texted her Tuesday seeking an urgent meeting, but said she asked what made it urgent given their recent discussion. She said Patterson responded: "Oh, sorry, I didn't realise things were coming up." Van Velden replied: "Well, I'm sorry, but do your job."
Peters changed his position twice within 24 hours. He initially said Tuesday that NZ First would back the bill under coalition obligations while promising to amend it after the election. After meeting Pike River campaigners Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse, he said he would not support the bill without changes. On Wednesday he told protesters he "can't logistically do it now" and accepted blame for not scrutinising loose wording in the coalition agreement.
Van Velden introduced the bill in February. It would undo many provisions of the 2015 Health and Safety at Work Act, which followed the Pike River disaster. The bill was scheduled for its second reading on Wednesday. Labour and the Greens oppose it.