Helen Clark's Lost Credibility

Tuesday 27th Feb 2001 Richard Prebble Media Release -- Governance & Constitution

“Helen Clark’s persistence in omitting to tell the truth about New Zealanders losing their entitlement to automatic residency in Australia shows she believes she can say what she likes, and get away with it,” ACT leader Richard Prebble says.

“Every report in New Zealand and Australia confirms what every other New Zealander knows, and that is that we have lost our 50-year old automatic residency in Australia.

“Helen Clark’s spin from day one has been to hide this enormous embarrassment behind a smoke-screen of attacking dole bludgers. But the truth is, the new agreement has nothing to do with saving money on dole payments – New Zealand has never paid for Kiwis on the dole in Australia!

“Only last December Helen Clark claimed that a report that New Zealanders would no longer get automatic residency in Australia was completely and utterly false.

“Now - exposed by the details of her new agreement with the Australian Government – that New Zealanders have lost permanent residence, Ms Clark has decided her best strategy is to spin a web of confusion.

“Helen Clark’s persistence with spin reveals her true priority – image over substance,” Richard Prebble said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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