The Shearer Reshuffle: Fresh Talent, Experienced Hands
Labour Caucus Reshuffle - 25 Feb 2013
By Mark P. Williams
Today David Shearer announced his reshuffle of the Labour caucus. He called it a mixture of fresh talent and experienced
hands to get the best out of his team. He said that his decisions were driven by his desire to address the central
issues of jobs, economic growth, 'delivering a world-class education', 'protecting the health of our people' and 'giving
all kiwis the opportunity to get ahead'. He stated that the National Party's 'hands-off' approach had failed and said
that Labour would have a 'hands on approach' to guide New Zealand forward.
The highlights include:
Grant Robertson taking responsibility for jobs and employment
David Parker would continue to head Labour's economic team, joined by the 'rising star' of David Clarke
Annette King will be taking on the health portfolio
Phil Twyford will take on housing
Jacinda Adern will continue to lead on social development
Chris Hipkins will take on the full education portfolio
Maryam Street will take on the environment portfolio
Mr Shearer then took questions from the press gallery.
Click a link to play audio (or right-click to download) in either
MP3 format or in OGG format.
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After the main press conference, David Parker, Phil Twyford and Annette King then spoke to the media about their new
roles.
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David Parker - On Steven Joyce's "Soft Underbelly"
David Parker said that he was looking forward to taking on Steven Joyce, saying that he had seen some weaknesses that he
wanted to challenge him on.
Click a link to play audio (or right-click to download) in either
MP3 format or in OGG format.
Phil Twyford - On Housing Affordability
Phil Twyford described the current National Party policies as 'floundering around' and searching for something to blame
for the current situation in housing affordability; he called it a 'market failure' and said that the government do not
have a clear plan whereas Labour does.
Click a link to play audio (or right-click to download) in either
MP3 format or in OGG format.
Annette King - Health is about stories: Challenging Tony Ryall On Community Health
She described a 'climate of fear' in the health sector, of health workers requesting anonymity to prevent possible
consequences for speaking out. Asked if it could be the case that Tony Ryall was doing a very good job for the health
sector, Annette King said that she felt sure that he was doing a 'very good political job'.
Click a link to play audio (or right-click to download) in either
MP3 format or in OGG format.
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Click for big version.
ENDS