7 March 2005

Brash Orewa claim bizarre

Social Development and Employment Minister Steve Maharey says Don Brash's claim that the government announced benefit reforms in reaction to his Orewa speech are bizarre.

"The Cabinet paper which sets out the timing and details of benefit reforms was circulated to Ministers prior to Christmas, well before Dr Brash announced that his speech would focus on welfare," Steve Maharey said.

"Don Brash is overestimating the impact of his Orewa speech. The only outcome of that speech was the resignation of National's Welfare spokesperson Katherine Rich.

"Don Brash should spend less time on self-serving conspiracy theories and more time outlining what his policies are."

ENDS

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