Don Brash MP National Party Leader

16 November 2004

Let the people decide - National rejects inquiry

Opposition Leader Don Brash says the National Party caucus has overwhelmingly rejected any participation in the Helen Clark-orchestrated constitutional inquiry. "I'm pleased that caucus has accepted my recommendation," he said today, shortly after the National Party caucus meeting.

"There is absolutely no doubt that this inquiry is nothing more than a simple diversion that Helen Clark hopes will allow her to avoid saying where she stands on Treaty issues.

"National believes that, as a nation, we can't afford to wait another generation before we start treating all New Zealanders as equals before the law.

"We have made our position on the Treaty very clear and the vast majority of New Zealanders agree with us.

"National believes it would be irresponsible for us to stand by and watch the grievance industry continue to gain momentum when we should be settling claims, ending the rorts and moving ahead together.

"Helen Clark made this a partisan inquiry right from the start with her choice of venue for the announcement. We think National's participation would merely lend credibility to a Labour Party stunt.

"We can not afford to wait. I see this diversionary inquiry as more proof that National is the only party that can be trusted to deliver on Treaty issues

"National will bring Treaty and constitutional issues into focus in the lead up to the election. We will clearly spell out our constitutional and Treaty agenda, and on election day the public can decide," said Dr Brash.

ENDS

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