28 November 2013

Nats regulate paddling pools, but ignore forestry deaths

National has completely lost its touch with the public by imposing paddling pool inspections but refusing to take action on the serious issue of deaths in the forestry industry, says Labour's Building and Construction spokesperson Shane Jones.

“Forestry safety is a deadly issue but Simon Bridges has allowed personal pride to blind him to these tragedies.

“Meanwhile Maurice Williamson is so bored in his portfolio he’s regulating paddling pools. At least he’s not as out of his depth as Mr Bridges.

“No one wants to see needless deaths but the fear for Kiwis is that local government staff will get even more petty than they already are. The notion that neighbours and council inspectors will peer over fences into little Johnny’s paddling pool this summer is ridiculous.

“If these ministers want to make a difference they should head to the bush where New Zealand forestry workers aren’t coming back alive. Those deaths are needless too.

“National's plans to regulate a Kiwi summer tradition but not act on forestry safety shows the Government is out of touch and out of its depth,” says Shane Jones.
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