18 August 2017

Media Release:

Social Housing Minister stifles debate on critical housing issues

Social Housing Minister Amy Adams is refusing all requests to front up and justify the National government’s plan to sell 2,500 state houses in Christchurch after the election.

In recent weeks the State Housing Action Network has requested a meeting with the minister to discuss her hugely unpopular policy but she has declined.

Now the minister has turned down a request to speak at the Election Forum on housing (7pm, 6 September Knox Church Bealey Ave) organised by the Christchurch Progressive Network to give all political parties the chance to explain their policies and face questions from voters. (An appeal that she reconsider her decision not to appear has also failed)

It is clear the minister lacks the courage to justify the policy to any gatherings other than closed-door meetings with well-heeled National Party supporters.

It is unfair on voters, and fundamentally undemocratic, that the minister insists on remaining in her National Party echo chamber where no-one will challenge or criticise the policy.

By refusing to meet community groups or front up at public forums the minister hopes to stifle debate on this critical issue.

We repeat for a third time – in public this time – our request the minister attend the Election Forum on housing. If timing is the problem we are happy to arrange a meeting at a time which suits her.

She owes it to Christchurch voters and to democracy.

ends

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