From the press room
UnitedFuture: “We’re here for the silent majority” – 2008-08-12 10:48:30.787
Restoring trust and confidence in the political process will be key election issues, according to UnitedFuture leader, Peter Dunne.
Speaking in Auckland tonight at the launch of UnitedFuture’s campaign for the central Auckland electorates, Mr Dunne said both Labour and National were betraying public trust and confidence through their constant personal attacks on each other.
“Whichever of them leads the next government will need UnitedFuture to help restore public trust and confidence.
“Labour has to be hauled back from pandering to every passing trendy cause, while National appears indifferent to and judgemental of those less well off in our community
“UnitedFuture stands for a different type of politics where ideas, not ideology matter; where families and communities come first; where we respect each other’s dignity and freedom, and our common responsibilities; but, where above all, we listen, we discuss, and then we act.
“And it is time there was a lot more listening to what people have to say, rather than the yelling straight past them the two old parties are so readily indulging in,” he said.
Mr Dunne said UnitedFuture’s campaign would emphasise that:
• Families deserve a decent standard of living
o Bold tax reform policy (cutting taxes to 10% on income up to $12,000; 20% to income between $12,000 and $38,000; and, 30% on income above $38,000)
o The option of income splitting for parents with dependent children.
• Every child deserves the best start in life
o Promoting shared parenting;
o Extending paid parental leave to 12 months;
o Establishing one stop shop family service centres;
o Ensuring playcentres and other parent-led groups get the same support that teacher-led organisations currently get from 20 hours free early childhood education.
• The Health Service must meet people’s needs
o A free “warrant of fitness” health check each year;
o Making better use of public and private hospital capacity;
o Guaranteeing everyone over 65 access to elective surgery within 6 months
o Investigate developing a national health insurance scheme to give everyone access to the high cost medicines and hospital services they need.
• Every New Zealander can shape our country’s future
o Holding referenda in the next three years on the future of MMP, the Maori seats, and the Head of State
o Making New Zealand the world’s best multicultural nation
o Boosting people’s access to the great outdoors.
“UnitedFuture stands with the great silent majority of New Zealanders who just want to get on with their lives, without the government telling them what they can and cannot do.
“Our pledge is to bring their voice to the government’s table, and to make sure it is reflected in the government’s decisions,” Mr Dunne said.
Ends