Peters uses debate to attack 'slack' security

By FRANCESCA MOLD political reporter

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters raised the hackles of the Government yesterday when he dragged concerns about immigration into a debate on the Bali bombings.

Party leaders were given the opportunity in Parliament to express their feelings over the attack on the Sari nightclub which resulted in the deaths of more than 180 holidaymakers and locals.

But Mr Peters used part of his speech to attack the Government over its immigration policy, suggesting terrorists like those involved in the Bali attack might have entered New Zealand as asylum seekers or refugees.

"The real issue is how many of this type of person do we have in this country now and what steps have we taken in the past to ensure they did not arrive?" he said. "The answer is nothing that is tangible or will work."

Mr Peters said New Zealand had the slackest border security of any country in the Western world.

Prime Minister Helen Clark criticised him for using the tragedy to score political points.

"I think it is offensive to use a solemn occasion when you are expressing deep concern and support for all those affected by this tragedy to have someone trying to drag a domestic debate about immigration into the middle of it. It is also offensive to continue to cast aspersions, as he does often, on the character of every asylum seeker and refugee in New Zealand."

Mr Peters said he believed many New Zealanders would share his concerns.

Helen Clark said people with ill-intent would try whatever means they could to penetrate borders. But the Government put a high priority on information-sharing with police, intelligence and other agencies overseas in an effort to protect New Zealanders.

National Party leader Bill English raised questions about New Zealand's defence policy.

He said New Zealand could not afford to take comfort because of its distance from and lack of involvement in conflicts.

He also questioned whether the Prime Minister's comment that New Zealand existed in an "incredibly benign strategic environment" should still stand.

"We know in our minds that terrorism knows no boundaries but today we had better believe it."

Mr English said New Zealand had to repair its defence and intelligence relationship with Australia in light of the Bali bombing and the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Act leader Richard Prebble called on the Government to rethink its foreign policy priorities to ensure close co-operation between New Zealand and its traditional allies. He pointed to Australian Prime Minister John Howard's warning that people should not forget an attack could happen in Australia.

"If the Prime Minister of Australia thinks it can happen in Australia, then I say it can obviously happen here in New Zealand," Mr Prebble said.

Bali messages

New Zealand travellers in Bali, and their families in New Zealand, can post messages on our Bali Messages page.

Foreign Affairs advice to New Zealanders

* Travellers should defer travel to Bali

* NZers in Bali should keep a low profile and remain calm

* Foreign Affairs Hotline: 0800 432 111

Feature: Bali bomb blast

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