This week saw the Electoral Finance Bill - the most serious assault on free speech and political expression New Zealand has seen, and one that indefensibly restricts Kiwis' ability to fully participate in the political process - passed into law.

What a blow for democracy and freedom of speech - any limit on expenditure for political parties or so-called 'third parties' is an abhorrent suppression of this fundamental freedom.

Freedom of speech is vital to a democracy - Australia recognised this when the High Court there struck down an attempt in the 1980s to cap electoral spending on the grounds of freedom of expression.

Individuals usually donate to a Party that represents their own political views. The act's new disclosure requirements will see such individuals publicly identified with a party - compromising people's right to a secret vote.

Under this law, the great campaigns of history would have had to first register with the Government - campaigns to abolish slavery, to give women the vote and the campaign against apartheid.

Our forebears fought and died in wars so that we could live in a free country - not so that we would one day have to register with the Government to campaign for a political view.

Of course, ACT cast its votes against the Bill.