Tuesday, 21 September, 2004

Turner: Turn it up, Katherine

United Future social services spokeswoman Judy Turner is astounded that Katherine Rich is protesting the axing of the Community Employment Group, after running a crusade against the organisation for months.

"Like many New Zealanders, I was outraged at the abuse of taxpayers' money that occurred through the funding of dubious projects like the infamous 'hip-hop' tour.

"Katherine Rich is to be congratulated for bringing these travesties to light, but her continuing pursuit of this organisation sounds more like a mafia vendetta.

"She can't seriously expect that running down an organisation will not have repercussions, then on top of that blame the Government for responding to her demands.

"This is exactly the kind of destructive outcome that follows when politicians head down the path of negative politics. I'm sure some of Ms Rich's colleagues will be congratulating her on this latest 'scalp', but if National is ever to move from opposition, it must convince voters that it can do more than simply tear things down.

"Perhaps Ms Rich is only protesting because she won't have the CEG to kick around any more."

ENDS

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