Friday 28 Jun 2002

ACT leader Richard Prebble is scathingly critical of the government's distribution of 3000 pamphlets in Indonesia, warning boat people against coming to New Zealand.

"It reminds me of those programmes telling children not to do something. Invariably, they do it," Mr Prebble said.

"Most boat people had not heard of New Zealand before Helen Clark took the Tampa people and went to Indonesia. In between giving the Indonesians foreign aid, she accepted queue-jumpers into New Zealand as refugees.

"Now, Phil Goff is just reinforcing the message by sending 3000 pamphlets advertising New Zealand.

"When the would-be queue-jumpers learn that in New Zealand they can't be held in detention and, if they are, the courts will ensure they receive $150,000 in compensation, I have no doubt New Zealand is looking more and more attractive," Mr Prebble said.

ENDS

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