News 

"Contrary to National Party propaganda, the Public Health Bill simply carries over the current hairdressing rules without any change at all." 

"These rules have been in place for many years under the old Health Act.  They are simply copied into the new Bill and transferred into the new legislation as they currently are," said Mr Cunliffe.

"Then, by 2012, the Bill requires hairdressers themselves to be consulted on whether the rules need to be updated, and offers a range of options as to how that could happen. "

"I am advised that none of these options is mandatory - and what happens in 2012 will depend on consultation with the hairdressing community" Mr Cunliffe said.

"Little wonder then that the Hairdressers Association did not make any submission to the Health Select Committee on the Public Health Bill - there was simply no need to because there was no threat to them"

"It must be remembered that there have been rules about hairdressing, since the 1950's, because dangerous chemicals are used and there have been accidents "

"What the public should now ask is why National and Jo Goodhew appear to be repeatedly and deliberately misinforming a well meaning professional stakeholder group.Is this part of a premeditated spin attack by National and interests opposed to the Bill?" Mr Cunliffe asked.

"I do not mind open and robust public debate on any legislation - but I object to the public being misinformed by politicians who are simply grasping at straws" said Mr Cunliffe.

==

To read the Health Select Committee's report on the Bill please click here.

• PRIME MINISTER | 
• OUR MPs | 
• FEATURES | 
• LATEST NEWS | 
• SPEECHES | 
• PORTFOLIOS | 
• POLICY | 
• MULTIMEDIA | 
• SEARCH | 
• CONTACT US