CHANGING DEMOCRACY

  BC and the politics of Middle Earth   

Sir Geoffrey Palmer

Sir Geoffrey Palmer spent about 11 years as an elected politician, although he hasn't held a seat since 1990.  Palmer ended his career as Prime Minister but one of his most influential actions occurred years earlier.

As Justice Minister and Attorney General, he appointed a Royal Commission to examine New Zealand's electoral system. As a constitutional lawyer and politician he believed New Zealand wasn't well served by FPTP. The commissions report formed the basis for countries system of MMP.

Sir Geoffrey Palmer still practices law and was interviewed in Wellington on November 30, 2003.

Do you agree that you are the father of MMP?

Geoffrey Palmer 1  01:30

There was no popular call for electoral reform when the Royal Commission was appointed. Shouldn't the public drive that sort of thing?

Geoffrey Palmer 2  00:45

Why did you do it?

Geoffrey Palmer 3 01:06