Media Release
22 August 2000
LABOUR AND THE ALLIANCE MADE THE PROMISE - NOW DELIVER!
“Labour and Alliance MPs and candidates were full of promises to the health profession about significant wage increases
just before the election,” said New Zealand First Deputy Leader, Peter Brown.
‘Now they occupy the Treasury benches, they should try to deliver on these promises by addressing the pay and retention
concerns of the junior doctors.
“So far the Government has not truly identified the problem. Our junior doctors are saddled with high student debt
repayments; their salaries compare unfavourably with those paid overseas – particularly those paid in Australia; and
their hours of work are long and demanding.
“On the other hand, Australia has reduced the hours of work for its junior doctors which has created a demand for more
of them.
“My challenge to the Government is do something and honour its pre-election promises to avoid further industrial action
and the potential risks to patients.
“The junior doctors are entitled to better consideration than they are receiving and so is the public. An efficient and
effective health system is essential and the Government should not forget that,” concluded Peter Brown.
END