“Up to 48,000 low income workers have been consigned to the health scrap heap through the mean spirited removal of their right to a Community Services Card, which provides a subsidised public health service,” said Rt Hon Winston Peters.

New Zealand First has consistently called for the removal of the Community Services Card system but not until such time as public health is freely accessible to all.

“In 2001 it is simply inexcusable to deny every citizen access to a sound public health system and especially so if they are a working taxpayer.

“I cannot understand the logic of providing subsidised public health access to those on benefits, while removing a previous entitlement for those workers earning a comparably low income,” said Mr Peters.

Mr Peters said the Government’s move was exceptionally unfair.

“Rather than closing gaps, this decision turns them into yawing chasms,” concluded Mr Peters.

Ends

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