Media Statement
For immediate release
Friday, 26 August 2005

Turner: Where are big parties' health policies?

United Future deputy leader Judy Turner today slammed Labour and National for not having put out their health policies with only three weeks remaining until the election.

"New Zealanders have clearly indicated in various polls that health is a key issue and for the two biggest parties to have not bothered to put out their polices this close to the election is selling the public short," Mrs Turner said.

"It's really quite insulting to the electorate and unfair: people need time to measure and compare policies in areas such as health.

Mrs Turner said the lack of health policy from Labour and National was glaringly obvious as party candidates addressed a nurses' forum in Wellington last night.

"Basically Labour and National had nothing but generalities to offer to health professionals who want to know where these parties stand," she said.

"Unfortunately, right now both Labour and National are too busy throwing money around like confetti and obviously think they can buy power without other key policy areas.

"There is more to running a country than tax cuts and welfare," Mrs Turner said.

United Future launched its health policy 10 days ago with key features being $20 maximum doctor visit for parents, $10 for children and under-6s free; a free annual 'warrant of fitness' health check in every New Zealander's birth month and cutting waiting lists and addressing health staff shortage issues.

ENDS

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