16 July 2007

An Opportunity Lost

New Zealand First believes the Government has made the right decision to park the Therapeutic Goods Amendment Bill, given a lack of parliamentary consensus and petty politicking from some quarters over the matter, says Winston Peters.

"As a party we agreed to send the Bill to select committee in order for those involved to have their say. We had never been comfortable with the Bill as it was originally drafted, but believed that with the right consultation it could have been adequately refined.

"Consequently, we put forward a sensible and practical solution to the Government over the Bill, which would have provided greater choice and ensured that the domestic industry's concerns were addressed.

"We were prepared to work with all affected parties to get a satisfactory outcome. Sadly, petty politicking got in the way of sensible dialogue and the Bill has now been parked.

"We do see some irony in those who fanatically call for food standards to be tightly regulated, at the same time promoting an unregulated complimentary medicines regime.

"Ultimately, parking the Bill will ensure that wider consultation can occur and New Zealand First's offer of a practical solution remains on the table for those who wish to pursue a sensible path on this matter," concluded Mr Peters.

ENDS

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