Hon Bill English National Party Leader

21 November 2002

New Zealand leaders need to discuss Australian concern

National Party Leader Bill English is calling on Prime Minister Helen Clark to brief all New Zealand's political leaders on the growing concern about a terrorist attack across the Tasman.

"After September 11, the Government had regular briefings with political leaders to keep them informed about what was happening. This was extremely valuable and appreciated, and I believe the Government now needs to brief leaders on what it knows about what is happening in Australia.

"There are more than 400,000 New Zealanders living in Australia so naturally there is strong interest from people living here about what information is coming through.

"After Bali we know such attacks are more likely in this part of the world. A responsible government would ensure that all political leaders are kept fully informed rather than the current silence that prevails from the Beehive," says Mr English.

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