Jim Anderton selected to contest Wigram for Progressive in 2005

Jim Anderton's address to the Wigram 2005 candidate selection meeting will be posted on the party's Website: www.progressive.org.nz

Press Statement: Progressive leader Jim Anderton was selected for Wigram today ? the first party to select a candidate in the electorate for the next election.

Jim Anderton said his selection is a clear message that the Progressive Party expects to be back in the next Parliament in increased strength.

Speaking at his selection meeting in Wigram this afternoon, Jim Anderton said the Progressive Party has a distinctive set of priorities no other party will represent in Parliament.

"Progressive is positive about people. We want prosperity for all. We want strong families and safe communities. We want work-life balance and fast, high-quality and free health care. We want New Zealand to be a proud global citizen.

"In two or three decades from now, when people look back at this coalition government, many of the most memorable policies will be Progressive initiatives. New Zealand needs the Progressive Party in the coalition working for positive policies.

"Kiwibank would not have happened without us. Four weeks leave would not have happened without us. We had to negotiate to win paid parental leave. We had to push for a Ministry of Economic Development.

"The Progressive Party has a unique job to do. We are the only guaranteed long-term coalition partner for the Labour Party. We have demonstrated our ability to work co-operatively in the government. We have shown we care about people. We have shown we can get things done. We have worked with determination and success towards our top priority: jobs," Jim Anderton said.

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