Local Dunedin Alliance activists are looking forward to a vigorous campaign based on the policies of free health and education, following the announcement yesterday of a general election date of July 27.

Carolyn Payne-Harker, organiser with the New Zealand Nurses Organisation, has been selected to contest Dunedin North, and Justin Wilson, tertiary student and Chair of the local Staunch branch (Alliance youth network) will contest Dunedin South.

“The key principles of the Alliance Party’s health policy will provide for a much better level of funding for public health services, will ensure timely access to G.P and hospital services and will provide for more adequate levels of staffing in the health sector,” Carolyn Payne-Harker said.

“The Alliance Party has made a significant contribution to the success of the current Labour- Alliance Government and will continue to ensure that the policies of any future Government take into account the concerns of workers, women and those on low incomes in New Zealand. A party vote for the Alliance will determine whether we continue to have a Government which is considerate of all groups in our communities or a return to the Roger Douglas style Labour Government and it’s type of policies that we saw in the 1980’s,” Payne-Harker said.

"The Alliance is a stronger advocate for the people of Dunedin than it ever has been,” said Wilson. “We are the natural representative for workers, students and beneficiaries. We don't believe that Labour and the Greens can deliver anything substantial to these people,” said Wilson.

"The Alliance is about attacking poverty and disadvantage. This includes increasing benefit rates, abolishing user pays education and protecting workers,” said Wilson.

“The Alliance has made a difference and we will continue to make a difference and improve the lives of working people. We will be running a strong campaign encouraging Dunedin voters to give their list vote to the Alliance, to ensure a left presence in Parliament”.

www.alliance.org.nz

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