The high-handed approach to consultation on defence by Prime Minister Helen Clark is deplorable, ACT Defence Spokesman
Owen Jennings said.
“The biggest, most radical change to defence in our history is being rammed through with no public involvement,” Owen
Jennings said.
“The Quigley Select Committee did not deal with the concepts involved in today’s announcement. In fact the Quigley
report favoured an air-strike force and a continuing naval support force.
“The Australian and British Governments have recently released white papers on defence that are far less revolutionary
than New Zealand’s changes yet they have embarked on a six month consultation process, including visiting regional
centres.
“For a Prime Minister and a Government that makes public consultation essential on almost every issue, this handling of
the defence changes is purely two-faced deception,” Owen Jennings said.
Ends