Media release from Progressive Party President

31 March 2004

Jim Anderton's Progressive Coalition is seeking Electoral Commission approval to contest the next general election as Progressive, says party president, Grant Gillon.

"In the 2002 election, our party wasn't entitled to party political broadcasting time which was a significant handicap to our efforts to explain our platform and achievements. This made it necessary to use the leader's name, Jim Anderton, to help define our political position for the voting public.

"In next year's election, Progressive will be entitled to party political broadcasting time and our candidates will have 12 months to campaign around the country around the party's achievements in government and its policy for the future. This means we will be able to remove the words 'Jim Anderton' from the party name, as they will no longer be needed to define the party's position on the political spectrum.

"The following changes have been proposed: Change of the full name - from Jim Anderton's Progressive Coalition - to Progressive Party Change of party abbreviation - from Progressive Coalition - to Progressive" Grant Gillon said today

Progressive ambitions for New Zealand are: - Full employment - Free education and health care - Support for families and those in need, leaving no one behind - Strong, safe communities - Investment in New Zealand.

ENDS

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