Maurice Williamson
Opposition Information Technology Spokesperson
16 May 2000
Cabinet's spectrum decision "racially divisive"
Cabinet's decision on the auction process for radio spectrum creates problems - and a very nasty precedent, according to
National's IT spokesman Maurice Williamson.
"It's agreed by virtually all political parties - including Labour - that there is no valid Treaty of Waitangi claim on
the radio spectrum," says Mr Williamson
However the Government is giving Maori special treatment by guaranteeing them a block of the spectrum at a discounted
price.
"Quite frankly it's bizarre that this Government should slur the reputation of the Police one week with suggestions of
racism - then make a racially inequitable decision the next," Mr Williamson says.
"It's a decision made to calm down Labour's own Maori caucus - who are feeling a bit left out, but it won't close the
gaps for Maori - it will just open the racial divide".
Maurice Williamson says there's a real danger in giving one ethnic group a priority in access to any resource.
"The precedent this sets is an alarming one - and you have to ask whether other ethnic groups - such as Asians and
Pacific Islanders - mighty not feel equally justified in trying to claim a chunk of a resource which rightfully belongs
to all New Zealanders" he says.
He says that precedent paves the way for claims to be made on other resources such as hydro-electricity and minerals,
which are not covered by the Treaty.
Ends