The Climate Change Response Act 2002: The Origin and Evolution of S 3A: The Treaty Clause

Abstract

This paper considers the origins and evolution of s 3A of the Climate Change Response Act 2002, the Treaty clause. The paper examines the nature of the negotiations of political parties in an MMP system when an contentious piece of legislation is at issue. The author concludes that s 3A came about as a result of the support of a minority party being required against a backdrop of pressure of international obligations. The author concludes that s 3A developed as a result of two parties making mutually acceptable compromises to pass contentious legislation. The author also proffers the view that the uncertainties inherent in the political system which brought s 3A into being, could be responsible for its future adjustment.