David Carter
National Agriculture Spokesman

16 August 2004

Sutton still beating around the bush

Agriculture Minister Jim Sutton's denial that land access policy has been finalised is unacceptable, says National's Agriculture spokesman, David Carter.

"Mr Sutton has had the land access report for over a year and he promised a decision six months ago.

"He's beating around the bush and that's not good enough."

Mr Carter says the Minister is supposed to be in Cabinet to represent farmers.

"But by allowing such an important issue to role on for over a year since the Government's own report was completed is totally unacceptable.

"While the Minister bungles and bumbles around, public anger, especially among farmers, is building.

"Mr Sutton should have learnt his lesson after promoting the Fart Tax - he knows how angry farmers can get."

Mr Carter says he seriously doubts whether the Prime Minister or any other Ministers would open their backyards to anyone who wanted to use them, so why should the Government expect other private property owners to do it?

Ends

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