Gallagher Martin: Veterinarians Bill — First Reading 
Gallagher Martin: Veterinarians Bill — First Reading 
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MARTIN GALLAGHER (Labour—Hamilton West) 
: 
 I rise to support the Veterinarians Bill and I note that the Veterinary Council and the New Zealand Veterinary Association which of course is the professional body that represents all veterinarians support the bill’s objectives as they will assist the Veterinary Council in discharging its statutory obligations. 
I listened with interest to Mr Doug Woolerton. He made some observations about the possible role of Federated Farmers and I am hoping that Mr Woolerton will send a copy of his speech to Annabel Young the new chief executive. I think Doug Woolerton as a farmer himself gave some very timely and very relevant advice. I think in the context of Mr Eckhoff’s speech in terms of the role of Federated Farmers and apparently he is now claiming to be the representative in this House of the Federated Farmers on one hand he was assuring us it was a totally non-partisan— 
Hon Member 
: He is recognised! 
MARTIN GALLAGHER 
: Well I think Federated Farmers have more clues than to put all their eggs in the 2 percent barrel or 1 percent. But I will say this to Annabel Young as the topic did come up for conversation in terms of the role of Federated Farmers and certainly in the context of this bill and also some other issues that they are concerned with: I think Doug Woolerton gave some very good advice. I notice that other MPs have come from a partisan environment in this House. Tony Friedlander has made a very good transition in terms of the work he is doing with the Road Transport Forum. Annabel Young should look at him as a role model. The Hon Doug Kidd who of course was well respected by both sides of the House in terms of his expertise and background in terms of the fishing area certainly again has made that transition and a very good one. He is seen as an expert—a person who is listened to with respect. 
The other really shining example that Annabel Young could look at if she is looking at how to make that transition of course is the Rt Hon James Bolger who I think is doing a sterling job with New Zealand Post. So the bottom line is that we are looking to Federated Farmers to be that non-partisan body. I have to say that they need to look no further than the Waikato. Our local branch in my view is very good. There is excellent leadership and I enjoy very good relations with them. 
Let me assure this House that I will listen to them very very closely on this bill. They will have some significant things to say because this bill is very important to the rural community and to our economy and that is noted. 
I will just finally close and as I did say to my whips take at least a couple of minutes to say that this is a very important bill. I certainly wish the Primary Production Committee well in its consideration. I think it is very important for young people in this country to have adequate opportunities to follow a path of veterinary science to enable them to become vets. We want to keep Kiwis. We want Kiwis to be doing this job and this bill will make it easier for our vets and recognise their importance. It is a long-overdue overhaul of the rules around the profession. I commend it to the select committee. I am sure the Labour members on the select committee as the chairman will vouch will do a very good job and I am sure he will do so as well. I wish the members well and frankly I will be listening to my own branch of Federated Farmers on these and other issues much more than Mr Eckhoff with due respect.