Nothing is going to happen to improve the lot of the 90,000 unemployed youth in NZ while parliamentarians continue with an attitude that will automatically prevent opposition parties from having their bills at least reach the Select Committee stage.

This became very evident recently when Darroch Ball presented the New Zealand First List MP's Private Members Bill - the Youth Employment, Training and Education Bill.

The MP was passionate in his delivery and the information describing the potential for a training scheme for unemployed youth appeared very positive. The National, Green, and Act Parties clearly did not want to listen, nor did they read information about the bill when provided prior to the meeting.

During their speeches it became obvious they were determined to squash any hope of allowing the bill to go on to the stage where more scrutiny and debate could be carried out.

The bill was voted out. Is it possible New Zealand First may have earned some kudos if this bill had gone through?

It is time for a change. Time for politicians who can be open and honest enough to accept each other's ideas, even if it is only to allow time for good proposals to be examined and considered.

In the meantime what about the 90,000 unemployed youth?

L Shirley, Bethlehem.