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Ross will address the need to improve public awareness and perceptions of the parliamentary system when he speaks to the Clevedon Lions on Tuesday 17 April.

“The Government should review New Zealand’s secondary school curriculum to ensure that all young people are taught basic political knowledge and are helped to develop an understanding of parliamentary processes, and the policies and positioning of political parties,” he said.

Ross Robertson said that, by starting early and helping young people to understand basic political concepts, New Zealand society will become more actively involved in its political environment.

“Research reveals that New Zealand has an appallingly low rate of voters in the 18-24 age group. In 2005, voting turnout amongst this group was approximately 60%,” said Ross Robertson.

“I believe that educating young people about their role in democratic processes will help achieve a higher voting turnout.”

Another important point Ross Robertson will address in his speech is the need for politicians to improve their professional conduct in order to help restore the public’s view of parliamentary culture and reinstate standards of integrity and respect.

Ross Robertson will take this opportunity to further promote his proposal for Government to introduce a Code of Ethics for MPs. The proposed Code sets guidelines that determine how MPs should conduct themselves ethically.

“Parliamentarians are predominantly in the public eye and our actions, values, and conduct influence society’s perceptions of what acceptable standards of behaviour are. As parliamentarians, we need to define what we consider to be ethical behaviour, and then we need to adhere to this and set an example of leadership for others to follow,” said Ross Robertson.

While a political Code of Ethics would not solve all of New Zealand’s political troubles, Ross Robertson considers that establishing common rules for conduct would go a long way towards helping improve the public’s confidence in Parliament and its members.

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