Wednesday 9th May 2001 Owen Jennings Media Release -- Other

Once again the Coalition Government has put a spin on its announcements - this time trying to dupe New Zealanders into believing that it is increasing defence spending, ACT Defence Spokesman Owen Jennings said today.

“The reality is different. Despite the falling GDP percentage figures on defence vigorously waved around by the Minister of Defence, the actual total figures budgeted for in his proposal are less than the average spent over the last ten years.

“The Cabinet papers released yesterday show that the increase in the base-line operational budget, plus the purposed capital expenditure together are less than the average amount spent on capital over the last five- or ten-year timeframes.

“No allowance is made for savings, or for proceeds from sales. Why not?

“The spin is a pathetic attempt to appease the Australians and Americans. It is spin to appease the RSA vote – to appease the majority of New Zealanders, who when polled recently, said we should hold or increase defence spending.

“Our friends and allies will not be duped. They will demonstrate their displeasure not in public announcements, but in trade talks.

“And New Zealanders will register their disbelief and anger at the spin at the ballot box,” Owen Jennings said.

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