25 February 2005
Don launches Soviet-style attack
Don Brash's vow to erase all references to the Treaty of Waitangi from public service job ads is a Soviet-style attempt
to deny the complex realities of 21st-Century New Zealand society, the Green Party says.
"In the same way the Soviets used to rub out anyone or anything they didn't like, Don Brash wants to delete everything
about New Zealand society he's uncomfortable with or doesn't understand.
"The Treaty of Waitangi is not only a part of our history, it is has a central place in our constitutional framework.
The Government has an ongoing responsibility to live up to the Crown's obligations under the Treaty.
"As representatives of the Crown, public servants therefore share the responsibility for upholding the principles of the
Treaty."
Mr Donald said that Dr Brash's statements were further evidence of his desire to push an outdated vision of New Zealand
society.
"Don's desperate need to play historical revisionist is alarming. He's trying to turn back the clock to the old days
when the public service was the preserve of white men in walkshorts and dress socks.
"I look forward to Don demanding the Government delete all references to being an equal opportunities employer from its
job adverts, and in the process alienating women, the disabled, Pacific Islanders, as well as Maori."
ENDS