Media Release

18 May 2006

One Small Step For Immigration

New Zealand First associate immigration spokesperson Peter Brown has welcomed the Budget's $16 million funding boost to border security as a small step towards addressing the flawed systems and procedures of the Immigration Department.

"An important part of New Zealand First’s confidence and supply agreement with the Government is a wide-ranging review of the Immigration Act and the Department's administrative practices.

"The review of the Act is underway, but it is also essential that practices are adequately reviewed to ensure that the system meets the needs of New Zealand in the 21st century and has appropriate mechanisms for ensuring that the system is no longer susceptible to fraud or other abuse.

"Improved profiling of people wanting to come to New Zealand is a step in the right direction, but there is still a long way to go. I assure New Zealanders that New Zealand First is watching with keen interest," said Mr Brown.

ENDS

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