Wednesday, 22 June 2005

Hon Matt Robson MP, Progressive Deputy Leader

Progressive MP to outline fair apple trade message on Oz TV

Progressive MP Matt Robson said today that he would take New Zealand apple growers' message for fair access to the Australian consumer market directly to Australians when he appears on a Sydney TV programme next month.

"There is no denying the absolute justice of New Zealand apple growers' call to be allowed fair access to sell their produce freely to Australians.

"In the nine years that I've been in Parliament, New Zealand governments of all political colours have been trying to get the Australian politicians to let science and facts get in the way of their unfair protectionism based on pseudo-science," Matt Robson said.

"When I appear on a TV programme to discuss my transformation from a small-town Aussie boy into a New Zealand politician, I'm going to use the time on the show to appeal directly to Australians to demand that their politicians do what is right and stop playing under-arm trade politics with New Zealand," Matt Robson said.

The continuing ban on New Zealand apples in the Australian market is contrary to the principles of the Closer Economic Relationship between the two nations and the rules of the World Trade Organization.

"Normally Australia is an ally of New Zealand in our collective demand to reduce unfair barriers on our efficient produce reaching rich markets in Europe, Japan and North America.

"Australia's stance on New Zealand apples not only betrays New Zealanders and Australians, but the whole campaign for fair international trading rules," Matt Robson said.

ENDS

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