26 October 2005
“Removal of National Party health spokesperson shortsighted and disappointing”
“The removal of Dr Paul Hutchison as the National Party’s health spokesperson is short-sighted and disappointing,” said
Mr Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, today.
“Dr Hutchison took over the health spokesperson role for the National Party early this year when it was floundering and
enhanced it. His own previous experience as a doctor and his willingness to meet and listen to health organisations
stood out.”
“It is a myth that to be an effective political health spokesperson you have to be a political heavy. In an intense
sector like health there is no substitute for understanding its complexities and the deep rooted issues well. The
precision and accuracy of political bullets are more effective than volume or quantity.”
“We had our differences of perspective with Dr Hutchison but he deservedly earned respect and was effective,” concluded
Mr Powell.
ENDS