30 June 2002 Press Statement

Labour’s Pledge to National Voters

Alliance Leader Laila Harré has labelled Labour’s 2002 Election Pledge card “Labour’s Pledge to National Voters.”

“This card makes it clearer than ever before that Labour is going all out to win National Party votes this election, “said Ms Harré.

“All it tells us is what National Party voters can live with and still vote Labour. Labour is taking its own supporters for granted.

“With Labour out to sell itself to National voters its own supporters must break ranks and party vote Alliance. Labour supporters say they want an end to student debt, much more money for health and four weeks annual leave. They can’t get these things by voting Labour.

“These pledges don’t tackle the big issues for Labour’s own supporters.

“They are not even committing to bring down the costs of tertiary education. Labour is pledging to let student debt reach $20 billion by 2020. Is this what you call ‘affordable?’ I doubt that the student with the average graduate debt of $21 000 would call it ‘affordable’

“Where is the pledge to end child poverty?

“Labour is pledging to let the wealthiest New Zealanders off the hook at the same time we know we need serious money for public health and for families.

“There is not one new commitment on the card. The Alliance and Labour have already decided to double the number of apprenticeships and the money for that has already been provided.

“The super fund is already established. There is already legislation before parliament which brings in tougher sentencing.

“Governments can and should do much more than this. New Zealand deserves better.”

ENDS

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