Women and children don't count under National

Not content with tax cuts for the rich and selling off what's left of the family silver, Don Brash has declared that women and children do not play a role in National's prescription under his leadership, Green Co-leader Rod Donald said today.

Dr Brash today announced that he would not appoint anyone to have primary responsibility for Women's Affairs. Neither has he appointed a children's spokesperson.

"Dr Brash has clearly stated he intends to dismiss issues that are vitally important to more than half of all New Zealanders," said Mr Donald.

"This is the strongest signal yet that if there's ever to be a Brash-led National Government that it would abolish the Ministry of Women's Affairs.

"By failing to appoint spokespeople for Women's Affairs and Children's Affairs, Dr Brash has exhibited a total lack of commitment to achieving equality and is clearly not concerned with the structural disadvantages and pay equity issues that still beset women in the workforce.

"Dr Brash's old-fashioned thinking is all the more extraordinary when his line-up includes spokespeople for Youth Affairs, Veteran's Affairs, Senior Citizens, Maori Affairs, Pacific Island Affairs and Asian Relationships.

Meanwhile, Mr Donald said that the appointment of three agriculture spokespeople is a move inspired by nostalgia.

"While agriculture remains the backbone of the New Zealand economy, the National Party is desperately trying to recreate its past glory rather than looking to the future.

"While Dr Brash has demoted some of the so-called Brat Pack, his new line-up is an uninspiring collection of recycled former cabinet ministers and rookie MPs with little credibility."

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