19 April 2005

Shane Ardern MP National Party Rural Affairs Spokesman

Berrymans deserve justice

National Party Rural Affairs spokesman Shane Ardern is calling on Labour to stop passing the buck and sort out the issue of compensation for Keith and Margaret Berryman.

“This issue has dragged on for far too long. It is time for Helen Clark to walk the walk after talking the talk while in Opposition. This must be brought to a just conclusion, and sooner rather than later.

“In National’s view there is no justification for the Butcher report to be withheld, and in the interests of transparency the Minister of Defence should seek to lift the court suppression order.

“After so many years, the public deserve to know the whole story.

“The non-disclosure of the Butcher report also raises serious questions about the withholding of evidence which may have had a significant impact on the outcome.

“The Berrymans have been treated unfairly by the state and should be reasonably compensated. Labour’s offer of $150,000 is insufficient.

“If Labour fails to take action, National will seek support from other like-minded parties to re-open a select committee inquiry into the affair,” says Mr Ardern.

ENDS

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