Onerous job ‘reason for M.P.’s absence’

Press, 6 February 1982, Page 2

Onerous job ‘reason for M.P.’s absence’

Parliamentary reporter The member of Parliament for Southern Maori (Mrs Whetu Tirikatene-Sulli-van) had not sought Shadow Cabinet status because of her “very responsible job” as head of the Labour Party Maori Policy Committee, said the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Rowling) on Thursday. The membership of the 17strong Shadow Cabinet was announced yesterday, and Mr

Rowling made a point. of explaining the absence of Mrs Tirikatene-Sullivan. Her status as head of the committee which formulated policy from input from the four Maori electorates — all of which were Labour — meant that she retained her status within the party structure. Her job was “very responsible indeed,” he said. However, it was a very onerous job in his opinion, and Mrs Tirikatene-Sullivan

had on that ground stepped down in 1980 from the Shadow Cabinet in which she was spokeswoman on social welfare and family affairs. Mr Rowling made no comment on the defeat of Dr M. E. Bassett, the former spokesman on health, saying that caucus had made its decision. Dr Bassett has accepted nomination for the Labour Party presidency and vice-presidency, but may yet withdraw.