ZB ZB
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

Opposition parties line up to change refugee quota

Author
Newstalk ZB staff,
Publish Date
Fri, 4 Sep 2015, 4:58PM
Labour leader Andrew Little (Getty Images)
Labour leader Andrew Little (Getty Images)

Opposition parties line up to change refugee quota

Author
Newstalk ZB staff,
Publish Date
Fri, 4 Sep 2015, 4:58PM

Opposition parties are lining up to get more refugees into New Zealand.

The Labour Party is pushing for emergency legislation to settle the debate over New Zealand's refugee quota.

Leader Andrew Little said his party will introduce a Bill in Parliament next Tuesday that would allow an additional 750 refugees this year.

He said we can't stand by and wait for a review.

"This is a significant increase for a single year in our regular refugee intake, it is a realistic response given New Zealand's resources to the particular problem."

Mr Little believes if Parliament could pass urgent legislation for the Rugby World Cup, it can do it now for refugees.

"It would be a pretty shocking thing if Parliament proves that it can, as a matter of urgency, increase our drinking hours for the sake of the Rugby World Cup but we couldn't put out the hand of friendship and hope for those in other countries desperate for safety and security."

 The Green Party is also pushing to increase the quota urgently.

Green MP Denise Roche said she'll table a Bill that'll increase the annual quota from 750 to 1000 people.

"I think the government is now in a situation where they are being seen to be remiss in not acting urgently on what is an urgent humanitarian crisis."

 Prime Minister John Key said yesterday he hasn't ruled out a review of the quota being brought forward.

 

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you