5 December 2011

Coalition deals ignore the real issues

The coalition deals between National and ACT and United Future fail to address the major economic, social and environmental issues New Zealand faces Green Party Co-leader Dr Russel Norman said today

“The big issues are a lacklustre economy with no direction, unacceptable rates of child poverty and worsening environmental standards. These deals do nothing to address these issues,” said Dr Norman.

“On the same day Treasury downgraded their economic forecasts, the new Government seems more interested in subjecting our kids to failed ideological experiments like charter schools rather than establishing a coherent economic strategy.

“These deals will not create jobs, deliver additional income to those who need it most or clean up our rivers.

“Dangerous pet projects and the baubles of office have won out over the big issues. These are very cynical deals.

“Despite receiving a tiny percent of the vote, ACT and United Future have secured Ministerships and the additional salaries that go with those roles.

“The coalition has failed to set out a plan to move our country forward. National and its partners are more worried about their pet projects than the big issues.

“The Green Party has set out clear plans to create jobs, raise kids out of poverty and clean up our rivers. We would expect the Government to do the same,” said Dr Norman.

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