Foreshore Delay Could Mean Nothing

Tuesday 30 Sep 2003 Stephen Franks Press Releases -- Treaty of Waitangi & Maori Affairs

Attorney-General Margaret Wilson's indication that Labour may delay foreshore and seabed legislation may mean little - as any legislation, whenever it comes, may simply postpone the decision anyway, ACT New Zealand Maori Affairs Spokesman Stephen Franks said today.

"New Zealanders should not hold their breath for the legislation. It is quite likely that the Government will hide from making a decision, and hand the critical issues to the courts to decide - such as whether public access to areas under customary right is only permitted at certain times, or subject to irksome conditions.

"Those who are in need of certainty over the foreshore and seabed - including marine farmers and the aquaculture industry - are unlikely to get what they need from the legislation. Postponing it, however, has the advantage for Labour of deferring the evil day when people realise the Government has sold them out," Mr Franks said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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