Animal Welfare Ahead of New Zealanders' Welfare
ACT leader Richard Prebble said today he was disappointed that the government regarded debate on the Animal Welfare
Amendment Bill as being more important than parliament disassociating itself from Mr Peters' attack on Asian New
Zealanders.
"Of course parliament could have easily not only debated my notice of motion but also had the first reading of the
Animal Welfare amendment Bill.
"We had an opportunity today in parliament to debate the issue and every party including NZ Future was willing to
discuss and debate the matter, but the Labour party vetoed the debate.
"Mr Peters has caused considerable alarm in the community, with his misleading, often slanderous and outright
falsehoods over immigration.
"The government has allowed Mr Peters' campaign to get legs because of a failure of government ministers to take on Mr
Peters. Just dismissing him with epitaphs, such as likening him to Pauline Hanson, is playing into his hands.
The country is entitled to some leadership from the government. It shouldn't be left to the ACT party to have to be the
voice in parliament refuting Mr Peters' slanders against law abiding new Zealanders.