30 September 2007

National’s latest policy fiasco

The National Party has managed yet another botched policy announcement by confirming it has plans to privatise the education sector, Education Minister Steve Maharey said today.

“In an interview with The Press John Key has confirmed that it's National Party policy for the private sector to build and run schools on behalf of the government.

"This announcement will send a shiver down the spine of parents and teachers up and down the country. The message is clear; National believes that profit is more important than quality public education.

"The rampant privatisation agenda that characterised National Party policy in the 1990s remains firmly in place.

"Last week we saw the National Party say they will sell off state owned enterprises and privatise the health sector. Now they're going after our schools too. What, if any, public services does the National Party intend to keep?

"What's even more concerning is how haphazard and secretive the National Party has been about the whole thing.

"They conveniently forgot to mention they would hike up GP fees when they released their health policy, and now their privatisation plans in education have only been revealed because Mr Key was put on the spot.

"Every New Zealander will be looking at the National Party in a whole new light this week. The more they talk about what they would actually do if they ever became government, the more worried people are becoming.

"With Labour New Zealanders know that they have a government that is committed to investing in quality public services. This week has clearly demonstrated that the National Party doesn't share that commitment.

ENDS

© Scoop Media