Nepata brothers decision proves National doesn’t care

Independent MP Brendan Horan is outraged that the National Party has today denied compensation to Damien and George Nepata.

The two brothers were both members of the New Zealand Army when they were seriously injured in separate accidents.

“Today’s announcement shows the National Party doesn’t care about the men and women who are our Armed Forces,” said Brendan Horan.

“It is a slap in the face for National’s Maori Party support partners, all of whom supported the call for just compensation.

“The decision shows absolute contempt for Parliament and the select committee process. The Maori Affairs Select Committee examined the evidence, heard from all parties including the Nepata whanau, and made a unanimous recommendation for the brothers to be awarded additional compensation for their injuries and subsequent hardship.

“I am disgusted, outraged, and appalled,” said Brendan Horan.

The timing of the release, after Parliament has risen for the year and on the same down all criminal charges re Pike River have dropped, is cynical beyond belife.

It is egregious that the Government is willing to open the cheque book for the big end of town. Look at Chorus where the National Party is ready to write a cheque for an additional $400 million. Look at South Canterbury Finance bailed out to the tune of $1.8 billion. Yet they are denying the Nepata brothers a tiny fraction of that amount.

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