Hon Jim Anderton

Progressive Party leader

19 November 2008 Media Statement
Progressives to co-operate with Labour in coalition

A close relationship with Labour in government will be every bit as close in Opposition, Progressive Party leader and Wigram MP leader Jim Anderton says.

The Progressives will formally cooperate with Labour in Opposition.

Jim Anderton, who was agriculture minister, will be the Opposition coalition agriculture spokesperson on behalf of both parties.

"Before the election, we said we would only enter government in partnership with Labour. We couldn’t support National because we won’t work with parties that are likely to increase poverty, that try to sell publicly-owned strategic assets, that increase unemployment, or that fail to take care of our most vulnerable citizens.

"Progressives share with Labour a joint determination to ensure that National govern for no more than a single term, to stop it before it can do lasting damage to New Zealand and to refresh New Zealand’s interest in a progressive future.

"Our leadership group has met and we believe our long-term future is with our close partners in the Labour Party."

Jim Anderton said a priority for the Progresives beyond his coalition role would be to push better access to dental care.

ENDS

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