Hon Lockwood Smith
National Party Immigration Spokesman

4 April 2006

National should be briefed on immigration changes too

In the interests of fairness and transparency, the National Party should be briefed on significant changes to immigration policy at the same time as the media, says National’s Immigration spokesman, Lockwood Smith.

Dr Smith understands members of the media will receive a two-hour briefing at midday tomorrow on significant changes to the Immigration Act.

The information received at the briefing is embargoed until early Thursday.

“Any changes to immigration policy have ramifications for all New Zealanders that extend beyond the term of any single government,”says Dr Smith.

“For this reason, it is essential that the major opposition party is fully briefed on such changes.

“I can only hope that the media will see this 24-hour grace period for what it is – a blatant attempt to manage a good headline – and do not fall victim to Labour’s spin machine.”

ENDS

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