Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Cullen's failure to front at forum a disgrace
John Key MP
National Party Finance Spokesman
6 April
2006
Cullen’s failure to front at Aust-NZ forum a disgrace
It’s incredible that Finance Minister Michael Cullen won’t attend the Australia-New Zealand leadership forum in Auckland next month, says National Finance spokesman John Key.
“There are a range of issues in his portfolio which are of strategic importance to New Zealand,” says Mr Key.
“It’s a disgrace that the Minister of Finance can’t find the time in his schedule to attend such an important event.
“What does this say about New Zealand’s commitment to the single economic market concept?”
“Having made up a lame excuse not to go to last year’s forum in Melbourne, Dr Cullen has again thumbed his nose at this important occasion.
“Australia is our largest and most important trading partner and it’s astonishing that Dr Cullen can’t be bothered to make it.
“Is Phil Goff’s attendance in Dr Cullen’s place a sign that he’s been given the nod by Prime Minister Helen Clark to read the 2008 Budget? If so, has he had any complaints from Trevor Mallard?”
ENDS
Gordon Campbell: On unemployment, Winston Peters’ low boiling point and music criticism
NZ Government: Government Recommits To Equal Pay
Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter: Deputy Mayor ‘disgusted’ By Response To Georgina Beyer Sculpture
Te Pāti Māori: Māori Unemployment Rate Increases By More Than Four-Times National Rates
Government: Streamlining Building Consent Changes
Koi Tu - The Centre for Informed Futures: If Not Journalists, Then Who?
FIRST Union: May Day, The Biggest Threat To NZ Workers In 2024 Is Our Government
