Advisers draw up protocol

By AUDREY YOUNG

The Greens and the minority Coalition Government are developing a written protocol on their working relationship.

The Greens will commit their support to Labour and Alliance on confidence and supply in writing.

And the Greens will get a commitment on certain access to information, consultation and possibly the placement of a staffer in the Beehive to be the party's "eyes and ears."

This echoes the set-up in Sweden, where a Green party also holds the balance of power.

Prime Minister Helen Clark said the protocol, initiated by the Greens, was positive.

"It would act to show that the Government has strong support in Parliament, that it's not a whimsical thing, and it would give far less scope for National and Act to drive wedges in," she said.

Three party advisers are producing a draft protocol: Heather Simpson, for Labour; Andrew Ladley, for the Alliance; and Christine Dann, for the Greens.

Greens co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said it might not be completed before Christmas but it would be ready before the start of the next parliamentary year.

"In terms of reassuring people that we are looking at stable Government, the important thing is that we are doing it and we are doing it with thoroughness and determination."