11 November 2001

CHP Leader Returns From Australian Elections with a message for New Zealand

Christian Heritage Party Leader Graham Capill met a number of senior Australian Government members on a privately funded pre-election tour, bringing back to New Zealand an in-depth insight into contemporary Asian Pacific economic issues and the Australian elections.

“The Australian election result is a clear victory for honest and conservative politics. This is the first time in recent history we have seen such a vote and it is likely to be a trend that will impact on our own elections next year,” Mr Capill said on his return from Australia.

Mr Capill met with Australian Treasurer, Hon. Peter Costello, Aged Care Minister Hon. Bronwyn Bishop, and NSW Liberal Senator Hon. Helen Coonan at a pre-election lunch held in Sydney last Thursday.

“The events in the United States on 11 September and the ‘boat people’ issue has resulted in even Labour voters seeking the safe pair of hands of an honest politician, which they found in Prime Minister Howard,” Mr Capill continued.

“Christian Heritage will be campaigning in a similar vein next year, believing that there will be a return to conservative politics as a result of international events. We are also heartened by the significant role played by minor parties, as voters look for greater diversity in handling the challenges that these international events bring.”

“During my visit I was also fascinated to hear how the Australian Government fought its way out of an economic recession at a time when Japan, the United States and New Zealand entered one,” Mr Capill said.

During his conversation with the Australian Treasurer, Mr Capill expressed his concerns at the Clark Government’s determination to disband the RNZAF, which was greeted with sympathy by Mr Costello.

Graham Capill was visiting the Liberal Campaign on the invitation of senior Liberal Strategists and spent time in the Sydney “War Room” after visiting Prime Minister Howard’s electorate and another marginal seat.

“The Liberals briefed me on strategies that could be applied for next year’s election. They expressed a great deal of support for the CHP campaign and the return of a conservative Government in New Zealand. They see the CHP as a central part of that objective.”

Mr Capill said he had approached two senior Liberal strategists to join his campaign next year and hoped to make an announcement in this regard in the new year.

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