Don Brash MP National Party Leader

13 September 2004

Govt ignores strong opposition to Employment Bill

National Party Leader Don Brash says the Government has largely ignored strong opposition to its Employment Relations Law Reform Bill, which has been reported back to Parliament today.

"National remains totally opposed to the Bill and will continue to fight it vigorously.

"There have been no substantive changes to the legislation that make it any better for the New Zealand economy, and any claims to the contrary are simply Government spin.

"The select committee heard a great volume of strong submissions from New Zealand businesses, large and small, opposing this legislation.

"They warned it would impact on growth and productivity as well as affect their employment decisions - especially when it comes to hiring the most vulnerable workers.

"It is strange that a government that preaches that it is dedicated to raising productivity and employment growth, and improving New Zealand's position on the OECD tables, would introduce such a flawed piece of legislation.

"The Government has decided to ignore the warnings and is instead choosing to focus on the submissions from their key supporters and the Bill's main beneficiaries - the trade union movement.

"A National Government will repeal this legislation," says Dr Brash.

ENDS

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