Gordon Copeland Press Release
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, 1st August 2007

Chance now for the people to have a say on Therapeutic Products

Independent MP Gordon Copeland today stated that both the Government and John Key now have a heaven sent opportunity to take the two-tier proposal on the Therapeutic Products Bill out by way of a road show to the tens of thousands of New Zealanders who strongly opposed the original legislation.

“I originally raised a compromise two-tier proposal with Ms King shortly after leaving United Future to become an Independent MP. I carefully explained to her that it was completely unnecessary for small New Zealand firms – some of them almost at cottage industry level – to become caught up in the Trans-Tasman Agency net, particularly in circumstances where they had no ambition to export their products to Australia,” said Mr Copeland.

“I also conveyed to her that I had been approached by a group of scientists who believe they may be able to develop Omega 3 from possums but, should that prove successful, would need time and space to test the market and develop it in New Zealand before being able to raise the capital, which would be necessary for them to have the product regulated by the Trans-Tasman joint Therapeutics Agency.”

“I suggested to Ms King that a local registrar for such products, established here in New Zealand with minimal fees etc, could go a long way to satisfying the tens of thousands of New Zealanders who have expressed their opposition to the expensive and bureaucratic Trans-Tasman Agency.”

“My understanding is that these discussions formed the basis of the subsequent development of a supplementary order paper by Winston Peters.”

“However, as I said in the House last week to Ms King, and say now also to Mr Key, any proposal should be taken out by way of a road show so that it can be properly explained to the thousands of people who have sent postcards etc to all members of Parliament.”

“In my view it is simply not good enough to stitch a 'we know best' deal together here in Parliament and to continue to ignore the opinion of the people in these circumstances.”

“It is time that both Labour and National relearnt some of the basics of participatory democracy. Who knows, following the road show, we may find strong grass roots support for a two-tier approach but we’ll never know unless we ask. It is time that we all learnt to do some listening.”

Mr Copeland made it clear that he will continue to oppose the legislation but would be prepared to reconsider his position if the two-tier proposal gains widespread support.

ENDS

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