10 June 2005

David Carter National Party Agriculture Spokesman

Labour keeps farm access till after the election

National's Agriculture spokesman, David Carter, is congratulating Federated Farmers on their 'Action Orange' campaign against Labour's access proposals.

He is commenting on Federated Farmers urging farmers and rural landowners to shut off public access to their properties for a week from next Thursday, 16 June, to show their contempt for Labour's plans to open up private rural land to public access.

"This is an excellent and symbolic initiative," says Mr Carter.

"Labour has shown itself to be absolutely spineless in not being prepared to table this legislation before the election.

"In meetings I've had with farmers up and down the country it is clear that public access is the number one issue for rural New Zealand.

"Labour realises this and is not prepared to table its proposal so that all New Zealanders know what they are in for if we are unfortunate enough to get another Labour Government," says Mr Carter.

"If Labour wins at the election, public access is certain. Tucked away in the small print of the Budget document is $2 million annually for the next three years for further 'policy implementation'.

"I will fight tooth and nail to ensure Labour's proposal doesn't happen," says Mr Carter.

ENDS

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