Hon Dr Michael Cullen
Minister of Finance

12 August 2005 Media Statement

Brash caught out again

Finance Minister Michael Cullen says Don Brash’s inability to master details of his own policies was demonstrated yet again yesterday on two separate occasions.

“Last night on TV3, Dr Brash fell flat on his face over asset sales when he appeared not to know the detail of his own policy, which includes some asset sales such as Landcorp.

“Then again yesterday, in announcing that National would scrap cheap doctors visits for 25 to 64 year olds, he questioned whether he and Helen Clark should get subsidised visits. But, of course, he will qualify next month when he turns 65.

“Dr Brash as a millionaire will get a subsidy but working age Kiwi battlers won’t. So much for tax cuts not affecting health and education spending.

“This comes on top of Bill English’s hints about higher tertiary education fees, National’s mean approach to student loans and the cancellation of free early childhood education for three and four year olds.

“But the real issue is whether Dr Brash’s continued incompetence is really caused by the fact that he keeps saying the opposite of what he thinks.

“For many years he has staunchly advocated state asset sales, the acceptance of nuclear ships, user pays in health and education, full deregulation of the labour market, cuts to benefits, a capital gains tax on housing and raising the age and lowering the level of New Zealand Superannuation.

“Now he finds himself pretending he does not believe any of that any longer. No wonder he keeps falling over himself,” Dr Cullen said.

ENDS

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