House The Homeless
Tuesday 20 Apr 2004
Dr Muriel Newman - Social Welfare
ACT New Zealand Housing Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman today demanded to know why Housing Minister Steve Maharey has not
yet entered into the debate over what to do about Wellington's homeless people.
"This debate has included comment from the Wellington City Council, police, business owners and the homeless people
themselves - but where is the Minister of Housing?" Dr Newman said.
"Labour was elected to office on a mandate of helping the downtrodden. Surely being forced to live on the streets,
under bridges and in parks qualifies a person as `downtrodden', and also makes them eligible to be placed on the
critical need list for State housing?
"This Government has a penchant for stepping into matters which it does not need to - like the recent purchase of
Westhaven Marina. Why then has it not stepped into this issue? Especially as this debate is about the homeless in
Wellington, right under Labour's nose.
"I demand that Mr Maharey take action. He must tell the public whether he plans to house these people - or admit that
homelessness is acceptable under his Government," Dr Newman said.
ENDS