GLBT Labour MPs Maryan Street and Charles Chauvel have picked up extra responsibilities in leader Phil Goff's reshuffle of his caucus and opposition shadow cabinet, while Chris Carter has slid sideways a little. Maryan Street MP Chauvel, who already had a raft of Parliamentary roles, including membership of a number of committees, becomes Labour's Associate Justice Spokesperson in addition to already being spokesperson for Energy and for Climate Change and associate spokesperson for Commerce. Maryan Street, who was already Labour's spokesperson for Trade and for Tertiary Education is now also the spokesperson for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations. Long-term MP Chris Carter has moved from Education to Foreign Affairs, a role he says he chose when given the choice of the two positions. Although technically Foreign Affairs is considered as being lower in the political hierarchy than Education, Carter appears to be retaining his seniority level on the front bench. Before being promoted to Education by Helen Clark Carter was Minister of Conservation. A surprise omission for promotion is Grant Robertson who is predicted to be a high flyer in Labour's Parliamentary team, however observers believe the reshuffle announced last night is an interim measure only and that Robertson may well move up as the party girds itself for the next election. Amidst suggestions that Goff has 'bloked up' his front bench to create a point of difference between his and Clark's team it is noted that the main beneficiary of the shuffle, Trevor Mallard - who has returned to the front row after his yellow carding over a scuffle with National's Tau Henare, has proven very glbt-positive during his long parliamentary career. The roster of New Zealand's openly glbt MPs currently includes Chris Carter (Labour - Te Atatu); Charles Chauvel (Labour - list); Chris Finlayson (National - list); Grant Robertson (Labour - Wellington Central); Maryan Street (Labour - list); Kevin Hague (Green - list).
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 6th May 2009 - 3:15pm