Media statement
Embargoed until 7:00 pm
Friday 12 September 2009

Election '08 a chance for a fresh start, says Dunne

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne says the November 8 election is a chance for a fresh start for New Zealand.

Speaking at a business and community dinner in Onehunga this evening in support of Mangere candidate Pulotu Selio Solomon, Mr Dunne said New Zealanders were tired of the antics and sideshows that have dominated politics for the last few months.

"The silent majority of New Zealanders whose focus is doing the best for themselves and their families are turned off by the scandals surrounding New Zealand First - they will make their judgement known on election day.

"In the meantime, they are much more interested in what each of the political parties is offering them and their families.

"They acknowledge what has been achieved in recent years, but now they are looking at what plans the parties have for the future, and how they will impact on them," he says.

Mr Dunne says UnitedFuture's campaign will focus on four main themes:

Families deserve a decent standard of living
Bold tax reform policy (cutting taxes to 10% on income up to
$12,000; 20% to income between $12,000 and $38,000; and, 30% on
income above $38,000)
The option of income splitting for parents with dependent
children.

Every child deserves the best start in life
Promoting shared parenting;
Extending paid parental leave to 12 months;
Establishing one stop shop family service centres;
Ensuring playcentres and other parent-led groups get the same
support that teacher-led organisations currently get from 20
hours free early childhood education.

The health service must meet people's needs
A free "warrant of fitness" health check each year;
Making better use of public and private hospital capacity;
Guaranteeing everyone over 65 access to elective surgery within 6
months
Investigate developing a national health insurance scheme to give
everyone access to the high cost medicines and hospital
services they need.

Every New Zealander can shape our country's future
Holding referenda in the next three years on the future of MMP,
the Maori seats, and the Head of State
Making New Zealand the world's best multicultural nation
Boosting people's access to the great outdoors.

Mr Dunne said both Labour and National were betraying public trust and confidence through their constant personal attacks on each other.

""Labour has to be hauled back from pandering to every passing trendy cause, while National appears indifferent to, and judgemental of, those less well off in our community.

"Whichever of them leads the next government will need UnitedFuture to help restore public trust and confidence."

ENDS

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