Minister Demonstrates Further Inability To Manage Portfolio

Minister of Defence Mark Burton should have immediately called for a full and immediate inquiry when allegations of shredded documents were raised, ACT Defence Spokesman MP Owen Jennings said today.

"Clearly this Minister is not on top of his job, and doesn't understand the seriousness of what is happening to New Zealand's armed forces.

"A competent Minister would have recognised the warning signs well before now and would have instigated a high-level investigation without being prodded by the Opposition.

"New Zealanders are alarmed to find at this time that their defence forces are in disarray, lacking leadership, and proper resources.

"It is time for Mr Burton to take responsibility and demonstrate the leadership that is required to restore confidence in the defence of the country. If he can't, he must resign," Owen Jennings said.

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Gordon Campbell: On The Government’s Smokefree Laws Debacle

The most charitable explanation for National’s behaviour over the smokefree legislation is that they have dutifully fulfilled the wishes of the Big Tobacco lobby and then cast around for excuses that might sell this health policy U-turn to the public. The less charitable view is that the government was being deliberately misleading. Are we to think Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is a fool or a liar? It seems rather early on in his term of office to be facing that unpleasant choice. More