Sandra Goudie MP - National Party Disability Issues Spokeswoman

23 March 2005

Labour must listen to disability expert

Labour must heed a call from former Health and Disability Commissioner Robyn Stent for further consultation on the Disabled Persons Employment Promotion (Repeal and Related Matters) Bill, says National’s Disability Issues spokeswoman, Sandra Goudie.

The former Commissioner has described the likely closure of sheltered workshops under the Bill as a “terrible tragedy”, and further evidence of a lack of consultation on the part of Labour.

The Bill would require sheltered workshops to pay the minimum wage, or have people seek minimum wage exemptions.

“Sixteen submissions to the select committee do not constitute good consultation with the people directly affected by the probable closure of sheltered workshops,” says Ms Goudie.

“The former Health and Disability Commissioner is well qualified to comment, and has urged Labour to ensure there is further consultation.

“Labour’s one-size-fits-all approach is threatening the future of sheltered workshops and the people who rely on them.

“I fully endorse Robyn Stent’s call for common sense to prevail,” says Ms Goudie.

ENDS

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