Prime Minister Helen Clark has put as much thought into a joint defence force as she has put into a trans-tasman currency, said ACT Leader, Hon Richard Prebble.

In the wake of large numbers of New Zealand Defence Force officers quitting due to under resourcing and poor pay, Helen Clark has promoted a joint defence force with Australia. Figures issued show that 140 officers have quit the defence force this year the highest number in five years.

“New Zealand must retain independence in its command. History has shown (e.g. Gallipoli and Crete) that when New Zealand allows its soldiers to fall under the command of another power we have suffered terrible loses.

“As a parliamentarian of New Zealand I am determined that New Zealand troops will remain under the command of New Zealand.

“Helen Clark is trying to divert attention from the failings of her Government’s policies,” said Hon Richard Prebble.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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