26 October 2005
Hon Jim Anderton MP, Progressive Leader
National party relegates agriculture, fishing, forestry and biosecurity to low priority rankings
The National Party list placings for spokespeople on Agriculture, Fishing, Forestry and Biosecurity are a sad reflection
on the policy priorities of a political party that claims to represent 'Heartland New Zealand', according to Progressive
Leader Jim Anderton.
"The key primary sector industries which earn between 63 and 65 per cent of New Zealand's merchandise export earnings
have been given high priority by the Labour Progressive government, by placing them with the 3rd ranked Minister in
Cabinet.
Jim Anderton, at number 3 in the Labour Progressive Cabinet, is Minister of Agriculture, Biosecurity, Fisheries and
Forestry.
"It is staggering to see that the National Party, supposedly the party that champions the farming community, has spread
these portfolios around between number 10 (Agriculture), number 23 (fisheries and biosecurity) and number 27 (forestry),
in their shadow cabinet.
"Forestry is New Zealand's third largest export industry, and yet National have ranked it at number 27.
"I don't want to hear another word from them on these issues if this is the disdain they show for our exceptionally
important primary sector and the biosecurity measures required to protect it," Jim Anderton said.
ENDS