Window-dressing on Natural Health Product Treaty

Media Release

2 March 2004
For immediate release

Don’t be fooled by Government’s window-dressing on Natural Health Product Treaty

The Government has responded to last year’s damning Health Select Committee report, which slated plans for a joint Trans Tasman regulator for natural health products (dietary supplements).

Select Committee opposition to the proposal was so strong that an unprecedented joint press conference was held by The Greens, National, Act, United Future NZ and NZ First to protest the signing of a Treaty with Australia.

However the Government’s response has been described as “nothing more than a carefully-crafted exercise in spin,” by industry opposition group the NZ Health Trust.

Trust spokesperson Amy Adams said today that despite the window-dressing, Government was still ignoring the Select Committee and the public on this issue.

“The select committee clearly and unanimously said a joint scheme should not proceed,” Mrs Adams said. “Government can’t pretend it agrees with select committee on any level if it continues to proceed down the joint regulation track.”

“It’s disappointing to see the Minister falling back on a campaign of insubstantial window dressing to mask the fact that she hasn’t changed her position at all. This response is clearly designed to try and shut down the intense opposition from members of the public, industry and MP’s.”

“I can assure the Minister that it won’t work,” Mrs Adams said.

ENDS

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