Greens oppose Gillard addressing NZ Parliament

Plans for Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard to speak in Parliament during her visit to New Zealand this week have been opposed by the Green Party.

Ms Gillard, who arrives in New Zealand for the two-day visit tomorrow, will become the first foreign leader to speak in Parliament when she gives a speech on Wednesday.

She will speak in the debating chamber but not during a formal sitting of Parliament.

Speaking on Breakfast this morning, Prime Minister John Key said he had pushed for Ms Gillard to speak in Parliament but that there had been some opposition from the Green Party.

"You wouldn't offer that opportunity to every leader, but Julia Gillard is not every leader, she is the Prime Minister of Australia," Mr Key said.

"I think it's only appropriate that any leader to speak in our Parliament would be an Australian because that is our most important, critical partner."

Green Party Co-leader Russel Norman later issued a statement saying his party welcomed Ms Gillard's visit and looked forward to hearing her address in Parliament.

However, he said the Greens thought that it was important her speech did not take place during a sitting session of Parliament.

"No one apart from New Zealand MPs has ever been allowed to address a sitting session of Parliament, not even our own Governor-General. It would set a precedent if the Australian PM does," Dr Norman said.

"We think it is really important to maintain the democratic sovereignty of New Zealand's Parliament, if we allow one Head of State to address a sitting session of Parliament, then we will inevitably allow other visiting dignitaries to do the same.

Dr Norman said changing the rule could "create a slippery slope" which could undermine Parliament's sovereignty.

- NZPA and NZHERALD STAFF