Shirley Bill Will Help Foreign Docs to Work Here

Thursday 17th Aug 2000 Ken Shirley Media Release -- Health

A private members bill promoted by ACT Deputy Leader and Health Spokesman Ken Shirley will help foreign doctors living in New Zealand who are currently “locked out “ of practising here.

Mr Shirley said he was delighted in having his Bill drawn in the latest ballot.

The Bill calls for the freeing up of unnecessary restrictions that prevent highly trained and qualified foreign doctors from gaining New Zealand registration.

Mr Shirley said there were far too many foreign doctors living in New Zealand and having to “drive taxis to make a living.”

Mr Shirley said his Bill would help overcome that problem and prevent the waste of a valuable resource.

“Our hospitals and rural communities in particular have been hit hard by the shortage of qualified medical staff which is now reaching crisis point.

“It is ridiculous to have restrictive trade practises in place as a obstacle to overcoming that problem.

“The Government has made tentative measures to provide funding to re-train foreign doctors, but my Bill contains more comprehensive measures that will help lift those restrictive trade practises and benefit the whole community,” he said.

Mr Shirley said he was confident of wide-spread support for his Bill.

“I am particularly looking forward to the Minister of Health, Annette King, supporting this Bill,” He said.

ENDS

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