June 22, 2023
Dog whistle riles Jackson
Māori Development Minister Willie Jackson says he’s shocked by this week’s blatant dog-whistling by the ACT and National parties over a new wait list system to ensure Maori and Pacific get a fair chance at elective surgeries.
He says it’s hard to take, even if it’s expected in election year.
“It’s all superficial stuff, you know, Maoris getting a priority. We all know that Maori, Pasifika, rural people and
poor people are all prejudiced by the system – always have been, and if we don’t try and change things drastically, always will be. So I think their behaviour is shocking,” Mr Jackson says.
He says Labour will hold firm on healthcare equity.