Animal Welfare Ahead of New Zealanders' Welfare

ACT leader Richard Prebble said today he was disappointed that the government regarded debate on the Animal Welfare Amendment Bill as being more important than parliament disassociating itself from Mr Peters' attack on Asian New Zealanders.

"Of course parliament could have easily not only debated my notice of motion but also had the first reading of the Animal Welfare amendment Bill.

"We had an opportunity today in parliament to debate the issue and every party including NZ Future was willing to discuss and debate the matter, but the Labour party vetoed the debate.

"Mr Peters has caused considerable alarm in the community, with his misleading, often slanderous and outright falsehoods over immigration.

"The government has allowed Mr Peters' campaign to get legs because of a failure of government ministers to take on Mr Peters. Just dismissing him with epitaphs, such as likening him to Pauline Hanson, is playing into his hands.

The country is entitled to some leadership from the government. It shouldn't be left to the ACT party to have to be the voice in parliament refuting Mr Peters' slanders against law abiding new Zealanders.

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