National leader Rt Hon Jenny Shipley and ACT Leader Hon Richard Prebble today announced that their MPs will meet for a joint session during their respective caucus retreats in Napier early in February.

“We believe this will be a political first in New Zealand, with a joint session planned between MPs from two significant parties during a caucus retreat.

“Under MMP, political parties need to be able to demonstrate that they can work well together. National and ACT already have a history of co-operation and in the last year have provided sharp contrast to the Labour/Alliance Government’s view of what is good for New Zealand.

Two examples of co-ordinated activity have been opposition to the re-nationalisation of ACC and the Employment Relations Bill. Very significant modifications to both bills were won by the vigour of our joint parliamentary opposition.

“In our joint session we will identify key items on the Government’s legislative agenda which are detrimental to New Zealand, and will develop complementary strategies to effectively oppose those items.

“The parties will also explore other ways we can work together to expose the poor performance and vulnerabilities of the current Government.

“New Zealanders are worse off under the Labour/Alliance coalition. Both National and ACT accept the challenge of putting forward their own defining issues that provide practical alternative policies and demonstrate that our parties can work together effectively to provide an alternative government.”

The joint meeting will occur on the morning of Friday February 9, at the War Memorial Conference Centre in Napier. Further details will be advised.

ENDS

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