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Customs and Excise (Prohibition of Imports Made by Slave Labour) Amendment Bill (Consistent) [2009] NZBORARp 47 (24 July 2009)

Last Updated: 28 April 2020

Customs and Excise (Prohibition of Imports Made by Slave

Labour) Amendment Bill

24 July 2009

Attorney-General

CONSISTENCY WITH THE NEW ZEALAND BILL OF RIGHTS ACT 1990:

CUSTOMS AND EXCISE (PROHIBITION OF IMPORTS MADE BY SLAVE LABOUR) AMENDMENT BILL

1. We have considered whether the Customs and Excise (Prohibition of Imports Made by Slave Labour) Amendment Bill, a Member’s Bill in the name of Hon Maryan Street MP, is consistent with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 (‘Bill of Rights Act’). The Bill was introduced into the House of Representatives on 22 July 2009 and is currently awaiting its first reading. We understand that the next Members’ Day is scheduled for Wednesday, 29

July 2009.

2. The Bill amends the Customs and Excise Act 1996 to prohibit the importation of goods produced in whole or in part by slave labour. Slave labour is defined in the Bill as “labour by persons over whom any or all of the powers attaching to the right of ownership are exercised”.

3. This advice has been prepared by the Public Law Group and the Office of Legal Counsel. We have concluded that the Bill appears to be consistent with the rights and freedoms affirmed in the Bill of Rights Act.

Jeff Orr

Chief Legal Counsel

Office of Legal Counsel

In addition to the general disclaimer for all documents on this website, please note the following: This advice was prepared to assist the Attorney-General to determine whether a report should be made to Parliament under s 7 of the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 in relation to the Customs and Excise (Prohibition of Imports Made by Slave Labour) Amendment Bill. It should not be used or acted upon for any other purpose. The advice does no more than assess whether the Bill complies with the minimum guarantees contained in the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act. The release of this advice should not be taken to indicate that the Attorney-General agrees with all aspects of it, nor does its release constitute a general waiver of legal professional privilege in respect of this or any other matter. Whilst care has been taken to ensure that this document is an accurate