By AUDREY YOUNG political reporter
Jenny Shipley unveiled her front guard yesterday, including new frontbenchers Gerry Brownlee and Bob Simcock, and says she aims to "destroy the Government's notion of consolidation" this year.
"This year is about attack and igniting new ideas."
The National leader said she wanted to "unlock a sense of excitement in voters" that would give them confidence in the future.
"Labour is offering you the '70s; we are offering you the future."
Mrs Shipley gave notice that National would concentrate its attack on health, defence, welfare and police.
The front bench now comprises herself, Bill English, Roger Sowry, Max Bradford, Nick Smith, Lockwood Smith, Tony Ryall, Gerry Brownlee and Bob Simcock.
Notably, Mrs Shipley has assigned herself a lead role in attacking the Closing the Gaps policy, alongside Murray McCully. That will pit her head-to-head against Prime Minister Helen Clark when Parliament resumes on February 13.
"The Government's Closing the Gaps and treaty strategy could probably politely be described as being in a shambles," she said.
There was confusion about what the Government had said or intended about the policy.
"Maori want a chance. They don't want to be treated as exceptional or locked into this business of deprivation. A lot of Maori are saying, 'Give us a break. We are actually breaking into universities in huge numbers yet all you talk about is disadvantage'."
National's rankings will be announced at a three-day caucus in Napier next week, after the election of the deputy leader.
Wyatt Creech's decision to stand down as deputy created one frontbench vacancy and John Luxton's demotion to the second bench the other. Mr Brownlee has been given education and Mr Simcock keeps social services. Among the losers was Waitakere MP Brian Neeson, who said he was "a little bit angry" at losing police to Tony Ryall.
"I would have liked to have moved forward with it. I think I have done the job very well. "
Mrs Shipley said Police Minister George Hawkins was an easy target. Her Government could take credit for the decline in burglary figures, and she said police numbers were on the decline.
"If you look at the mix across the front bench and the portfolios, people want a vision for the future and Bill English as Treasurer and I are going to unlock that - a sense of opportunity, growth and well-being that captures the imagination."
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