Katherine Rich - National Party Welfare Spokeswoman

27 January 2005

Steve Maharey Should Concentrate on Welfare Reform Not Petty Politics.

Steve Maharey should concentrate on the significant welfare reform issues raised by Don Brash, says National Party Welfare spokeswoman, Katherine Rich.

"Orewa has been another triumph for National's Leader, Don Brash. He has delivered an extremely important and influential speech which will set the scene for the welfare debate in the coming year, " said Mrs Rich.

"The Minister's speculation that I have been silenced is absolute nonsense. The Leader delivered a momentous speech and logically the Leader fronted the debate. What's the Minister's problem? I don't see him popping up every time the Prime Minister talks about employment.

"Don Brash has delivered the Labour Party another blow. I am pleased that he has got the whole country talking about welfare - something that no other politician has done to such an extent.

"Once again Don Brash has had the courage to present new solutions to concerns that trouble many New Zealanders - concerns like the human cost of a welfare system that is presently failing. I couldn't agree more when he points out that while welfare is there to assist those in need, this country has too many children and their families surviving on a welfare cheque.

"I share Don's vision that New Zealand has to do more as a country to make sure that our welfare system is a safety net and not a trap.

"Steve Maharey needs to concentrate on the big picture of welfare reform," says Mrs Rich.

ENDS

© Scoop Media