Judith Collins MP
National Party Veterans Affairs Spokeswoman
15 April 2008
Is it an open invitation to medal ceremony?
National Party Veterans Affairs spokeswoman, Judith Collins, is asking Labour whether there is an open invitation to a
medal presentation ceremony being held in the Labour Party caucus room this afternoon.
“National strongly supports New Zealand’s service personnel. We’d like an assurance that the presentation of the New
Zealand General Service Medal to personnel who have served in Timor Leste does not have some underlying political
motivation.”
Ms Collins says there could be a good reason the ceremony is being held in the Labour caucus room but that is not clear
at this stage.
She says it is unusual for a representative from the Opposition not to receive invitations to such ceremonies.
“The public perception that Labour is using its incumbency to create political photo opportunities would be lessened if
Labour invited MPs from other parties to take part – even though it is being held in their caucus room.
“I don’t believe New Zealanders want to see the deeds of our service personnel used as a promotional vehicle for the
Government of the day.
“That’s also why Helen Clark should say which parties will be involved in the opening of the Anzac Bridge in Australia
later this month.”
ENDS