Labour Repeats Walkout (Press, 6 November 1976)

On 6 November 1976, a significant political confrontation occurred in New Zealand's Parliament, culminating in a walkout by the Opposition. This was a reaction to Prime Minister Mr. Muldoon's comments during the committee debate on the Electoral Amendment Act. All Opposition members, except Mr. M. Rata and Mrs. T. W. Tirikatenei Sullivan, left the chamber when Mr. Muldoon began to speak, signalling their dissatisfaction. Leader of the Opposition Mr. Rowling expressed that the walkout was a way to avoid listening to the Prime Minister. The tension escalated after Mr. Muldoon alleged that Labour frontbencher Mr. C. J. Moyle had been arrested for alleged homosexual activities. In Parliament, Mr. Moyle strongly denied these accusations, describing them as unfounded and malicious. He stated that such rumors had circulated for several months before the previous year's general election, and alluded to a deliberate smear campaign initiated by elements connected to the National Party. Mr. Muldoon, in a contentious move, sought to challenge Mr. Moyle's narrative, asserting that the customs of the House forbade controversial remarks during personal statements. He asked Mr. Moyle to retract the term “malicious,” which Mr. Moyle ultimately did to continue with his explanation. During his rebuttal, Mr. Moyle clarified that the only relevant incident involved a minor occurrence where he observed a suspicious individual who turned out to be a police officer in disguise, reassuring everyone that no wrongdoing had taken place and that the police had found no crime involved. The escalating conflict prompted further verbal exchanges, with Mr. Muldoon hinting at significant discrepancies between Mr. Moyle's account and the police report he intended to present in Parliament. Mr. Rowling, commenting post-session, condemned the Prime Minister for using police documents for political leverage, wondering about the implications of such actions. He called out the shameful conduct unfolding in the Parliament, accusing the National Party's leadership and Mr. Muldoon of degrading political discourse to a gutter-level. Later, Mr. Muldoon reiterated his commitment to submit the police report to clarify the matter, while Mr. Rowling sought assurances from the Commissioner of Police regarding the confidential police file accessed during this controversy. The events underscored a significant moment in New Zealand's political landscape, reflecting the intense partisanship and personal attacks that were characterising the period. This incident illustrates the rising tension and division within the political climate of New Zealand in late 1976.

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