Brash 'cynical' about shift

By RUTH BERRY

National leader Don Brash is cynical about the Government's apparent retreat on Maori policy, saying it will not result in significant changes.

However, he says the Government's desire to create an impression it may change the policies and its clear backdown on school closures shows it has accepted it has lost touch with mainstream New Zealand.

Dr Brash said he had a threefold reaction to news of the Government's plans to review Maori policy.

"First of all I'm surprised at the changes of direction given that only a couple of weeks ago the Prime Minister suggested that any focus on need not race was essentially racist and that she was no way going to be changing.

"All of a sudden she says, 'Well, we don't mind changing. We're going to review the policies'.

"The second point is that I'm pleased because if she does move to a needs-based policy I'll be delighted.

"But my third point is one of cynicism."

The Government had used the same tactic in 2000 when it renamed its Closing the Gaps policies Reducing Inequalities after public disquiet, Dr Brash said.

"But in fact nothing much changed."

He expected the review was a similar smokescreen and said Helen Clark's refusal to be specific about what might change suggested this.

It was also clear from statements made by Associate Maori Affairs Minister Tariana Turia yesterday that she was expecting nothing to change as a result of the so-called review, he said.

State Services Minister Trevor Mallard will take the portfolio and will be in charge of reviewing Government policies targeting Maori.

He will also take responsibility for general issues concerning the Treaty of Waitangi, such as the place of treaty references in legislation.

Dr Brash said: "It's a rather surprising move. It means they now have seven ministers involved with Maori issues in one form or another."

While it was not clear what Mr Mallard's role would be, "He's one of the heavy-hitters in Cabinet".

"He's been brought in, I presume, to get people to toe the line."

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