Minister Still Not Familiar with Her Job

Minister for Women Louise Upston hid behind her recent appointment, claiming she was too green in the job to know any details when questioned in Parliament today, says New Zealand First.

“Despite having been briefed extensively when she came into the portfolio the Minister could not name one specific step being taken to deal with violence against women,” says Deputy Leader and Spokesperson for Women Tracey Martin.

“Even without a briefing the Minister should have had a basic awareness of efforts being made, or is this confirmation that the National government is doing nothing to prevent violence against women and sexual abuse of women and girls.

“Given the lack of convictions in the so-called Roast Busters sex inquiry and the slow response initially to complainants it is clear there is a need for huge improvement.

“The Minister says sexual violence is intolerable, and will welcome any practical solutions. Is she that uninterested in women’s affairs that she comes to the portfolio without even the slightest idea of how to address such longstanding issues?”

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