Huge Meeting in Bulls Condemns Govt on Defence

Thursday, October 4 2001 Owen Jennings Press Releases -- Foreign Affairs & Defence

A meeting in Bulls of 350 people last night unanimously passed a resolution condemning the Government's handling of defence cutbacks, especially the loss of the air combat wing, ACT Defence Spokesman Owen Jennings said today.

Owen Jennings, who had called the meeting, described the Coalition Government's moves to neutrality as a "gross irresponsibility".

"The defence of NZ should be the first and most primary requirement of the government. The Minister of Defence, Mark Burton, who refused to take proper control of his portfolio is rapidly becoming known as the Minister of Whitewash.

Other meetings like this will be held across the country as a result of the strong public support demonstrated in Bulls.

"The Government are on notice," Mr Jennings said.

"Defence will be an election issue. New Zealanders want, and deserve, to be defended properly".

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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