Aussie job numbers roar ahead while NZ is stuck in reverse

The lacklustre response to the economic downturn from John Key’s Government has again been highlighted by the performance of the Australian economy, Labour Leader Phil Goff said today.

“The recovery of the Australian economy saw nearly 20,000 jobs created last month. That’s the 7th straight month of rises in full time employment and that strength has seen an amazing 215,000 jobs created in the last six months,” Phil Goff said.

“In contrast, New Zealand is falling behind. Since National came to office 60,000 Kiwis have lost their jobs.

“So what is the difference? Australians have a Government that was proactive in tackling the recession.

“The Australian Government put in place a bold and effective stimulus package, made a real commitment to skills training and education, and developed a plan to make Research and Development a vital part of their recovery.

“John Key’s Government has sat on the sidelines, offered up the rhetoric of the Jobs Summit, and promised much but has failed to deliver.”

Phil Goff said the wage and employment gap developing between New Zealand and Australia is making it more attractive for Kiwis to head across the ditch permanently.

“The upcoming budget must deliver a plan to get as many of the 168,000 Kiwis who are out of work back into jobs,” Phil Goff said.

“Kiwis struggling to make ends meet will be looking across the Tasman and seeing unemployment falling, while at home their Government’s budget priority is lifting GST to 15%.

“National must make jobs its priority for this year’s budget.”

ENDS

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