Hon David Cunliffe
Minister of Health

November the 4th 2008 Media Statement

Key names lame duck health spokesman as Minister

John Key has today confirmed Tony Ryall as a potential Minister of Health and the public should be very concerned.

“This is a man who has been caught out bullying a DHB, made misleading claims regarding bureaucracy and wants to let GP fees sky rocket,” Minister of Health David Cunliffe said.

Mr Cunliffe said that the timing of the release was interesting, especially when Mr Key had not named any other Ministers.

“The only reason he’s named Tony Ryall is because rumours are circulating around the medical fraternity that Jonathan Coleman was to be Minister of Health, due to Mr Ryall’s woeful performance as Opposition Spokesman.”

“I am disappointed, but not surprised, that John Key would consider for Minister of Health someone who has done nothing but run the health sector and its workers down.”

Mr Cunliffe said he had seen first hand the appalling behaviour of Mr Ryall towards the health system

“Mr Ryall has attempted to inappropriately muzzle a DHB He has undermined Pharmac and has opposed measures to deal with New Zealand’s obesity epidemic. He shows little understanding of the proper role of the Minister.”

“The National Party have been in opposition for nine years, due in no small part to their disastrous user pays health policies of the 1990’s, that put business before patients. Their tax breaks for private health will suck staff out of the public system. Their proposed privatisation of ACC and recreation of Regional Health Authorities show no signs that a National government would do anything different if it got the chance again.”

ENDS

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