The Greens have announced that they will be swallowing that giant dead rat and voting for Winston's anti-party-hopping lgislation. Yes, it's a shit, undemocratic bill. Yes, its something the Greens oppose. But this is what happens when you end up in coalition (and no matter what they call it, that is what they effectively are in). Eugenie Sage said it straight out when she said
"It's legislation I don't like, but when you are part of a coalition there are just some things you have to do as part of the coalition agreement."
However, the Green Party is not part of the coalition, and nor is it outlined in their agreement with Labour that they must support the proposed law.
When this was put to her she conceded that was correct, but said it was important to another coalition party and the stability of the government.
And that's what it comes down to. Winston wants this bill, so Labour wants this bill. So if the Greens want this government to keep existing - and to be able to implement policies like banning offshore drilling, banning mining in the conservation estate, and setting a robust target on climate change - they need to vote for it. Its that simple. Whether the policies they get for this compromise are worth it is an exercise for Green voters - but personally, I'll hold my nose and stomach it. After all, they can always vote to repeal it when Winston is gone.
