19 October 2005 Media Statement

King enthusiastic about new roles

Annette King says she is excited about the challenges over the next three years across the wide range of her new portfolios.

“The past six years as Health Minister have been incredibly satisfying and rewarding, and I am sure that under this Government we will continue to build on the gains we have made for the health of all New Zealanders,” she said. “I am sure the new portfolios will be just as rewarding.”

Ms King says she strongly supports the New Zealand police. “We have a fine police force by any international comparisons, but I will have strong expectations in terms of service and standards. In that respect, there are a number of outstanding historical issues that still require some work, and there will also be the challenge of building police numbers. I am looking forward to working with NZ First to implement that policy.

“One issue that particularly interests me is public attitudes toward driving and speed. There is often criticism that speeding laws are enforced purely as a means of bringing in revenue. We need to turn that perception around. It is not money we are interested in. We are interested in saving lives. Success would be when the Government got no revenue from speeding fines.”

Annette King says it has been clear over the past six years that the Government has been committed to building strong state services. “As State Services Minister I want to play my role in continuing to help build a modern, open and accountable state service in which many of our most talented New Zealanders want to work.”

Annette King says she is also pleased to retain the Food Safety portfolio. “It continues to be a portfolio of major significance to all New Zealanders, particularly in areas like biosecurity and the safety of imported food. The portfolio is only three years old, and I look forward to taking it through to ‘adulthood’.

“It is also a special pleasure for me to be working closely again with Phil Goff, this time in the areas of trade and defence. Phil and I worked together in the past when I was his Under-Secretary in employment and youth affairs, and I am sure we will work together effectively again over the next three years.”

ENDS

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