Hon Dr Michael Cullen
Deputy Prime Minister

24 July 2008 Media Statement


Key running scared on his own policies

Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen has today re-released the lightweight policy positions announced by National in the past fortnight following John Key’s attempt to slip them out under the cover of darkness.

In the past fortnight National has released ‘policies’ on industrial relations, accident compensation, conservation, broadcasting, and arts. Not one of these policy releases was announced with a formal press conference featuring John Key and a party spokesman.

Today’s industrial relations policy – featuring a significant attack on the rights of workers – was barely one page long. Last week’s conservation policy was released after 4pm on Friday evening. None of National’s policy announcements have been followed up with an oral question in Parliament, the usual practice followed by parties.

“John Key’s policy releases have been fairly dismal attempts to fend off accusations that he lacks substance,” Dr Cullen said.

“His policy spokespeople certainly have ideas – attacking the rights of workers, privatising ACC, and preparing TVNZ for sale – but Mr Key knows those positions don’t fit his warm and sunny personal branding. That’s why he is ordering policies to be released with every attempt made to make them die in the public arena.

“Mr Key doesn’t want the public to know what a National government would mean for New Zealand. Until he stops running scared, the Labour-led government will be happy to fill in the blanks.”

National’s industrial relations policy can be found at: http://national.org.nz/files/.___0_0_WA.pdf

ACC privatisation policy: http://national.org.nz/Article.aspx?ArticleID=28234

Broadcasting policy: http://www.national.org.nz/files/.___0_0_Broadcasting.pdf

Conservation policy: http://www.national.org.nz/files/.___0_0_outdoor.pdf

Arts policy: http://www.national.org.nz/files/.___0_0_arts_culture_and_heritage.pdf

ENDS

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