House The Homeless

Tuesday 20 Apr 2004

Dr Muriel Newman - Social Welfare

ACT New Zealand Housing Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman today demanded to know why Housing Minister Steve Maharey has not yet entered into the debate over what to do about Wellington's homeless people.

"This debate has included comment from the Wellington City Council, police, business owners and the homeless people themselves - but where is the Minister of Housing?" Dr Newman said.

"Labour was elected to office on a mandate of helping the downtrodden. Surely being forced to live on the streets, under bridges and in parks qualifies a person as `downtrodden', and also makes them eligible to be placed on the critical need list for State housing?

"This Government has a penchant for stepping into matters which it does not need to - like the recent purchase of Westhaven Marina. Why then has it not stepped into this issue? Especially as this debate is about the homeless in Wellington, right under Labour's nose.

"I demand that Mr Maharey take action. He must tell the public whether he plans to house these people - or admit that homelessness is acceptable under his Government," Dr Newman said.

ENDS

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