The Government’s seeming determination to turn a blind eye to new questions about what happened at Pike River Mine is troubling, says Labour’s West Coast-Tasman MP Damien O’Connor.

Labour will continue to listen and liaise with the families of the Pike river mine tragedy, says Labour’s MP for West Coast-Tasman Damien O’Connor.

The Minister of Primary Industries needs to explain how the failure of its biosecurity systems led to the Pea Weevil incursion in the Wairarapa, Labour’s Primary Industries spokesperson Damien O’Connor says

“The decision to ban the growing of peas in the region has huge implications for farmers. While the ambition to eradicate the pest is right, Labour has little faith the Ministry for Primary Industries can achieve this.

Damien O’Connor has lodged a Member’s Bill to make it easier for patients like the late Alex Renton to access medicinal cannabis products.

“I supported Alex Renton’s family in their quest to get approval for medicinal cannabis in a hope it could improve his desperate situation.

The confirmation of widespread Velvetleaf infestation in crops throughout New Zealand is a major risk to New Zealand’s arable and wider farming sectors, Labour’s Primary Industries spokesperson Damien O’Connor says.

“The Ministry for Primary Industries’ admission that it has been focusing more on responding to incursions rather than border protection has allowed the importation of this dangerous weed.

Fonterra’s profit announcement will be small consolation for dairy farmers facing an extended period of low milk returns, says Labour’s Primary Industry spokesperson Damien O’Connor.

“The capital restructure of Fonterra which established Trading Among Farmers created an inevitable tension between the milk price and dividend payout. Outside investors have been demanding a better return on their unit investments.

The Ministry of Primary Industries’ refusal to take action over the abuse of bobby calves despite being warned five years ago, shows the super Ministry is incapable of properly overseeing the sector, Labour’s Primary Industries spokesperson Damien O’Connor says.

“It has been revealed that a 2011 report raised serious issues about the abuse of bobby calves on some dairy farms.

The refusal of Fonterra to speak to media over the last two days about the slump in the milk price and overdue payment to contractors is outrageous, Labour’s Primary Industries spokesperson Damien O’Connor says.

“New Zealand’s economy is dependent on Fonterra’s good management.

Fonterra’s announcement today confirms fears its capital restructure would leave the co-operative and its farmer shareholders fighting over ever decreasing payouts, Labour’s Primary Industries spokesperson Damien O’Connor says.

“The dilemma for Fonterra is whether to reduce its debt or help its struggling farmer shareholders.