ACT New Zealand Parliamentary Leader Hon John Boscawen today called on Prime Minister John Key to take his own advice and agree to reinstate a youth minimum wage after Mr Key confirmed in the House that he still believed a youth wage was good for young people.

"The Prime Minister recently labelled ACT's policies as 'hardcore' so I asked him whether there was anything hardcore about ACT's policy to reinstate a youth minimum wage - a policy National used to support - his answer was a clear no," Mr Boscawen said.

"While he was Leader of the Opposition Mr Key said that youth rates 'give employers a reason to hire younger people and give them a chance to get experience', my question asked Mr Key what was hardcore about that statement and he rightly said 'nothing'.

"Youth unemployment is at the highest level it has ever been - it is clear that the adult minimum wage is pricing young people out of the labour market. Mr Key has said in the past that a youth wage gives young people a chance to get their foot on the job ladder and today he confirmed that he still agrees with that view.

"Sir Roger Douglas has announced that he will resubmit his Bill to reinstate the youth minimum wage, given Mr Key's comments today I look forward to him supporting this Bill," Mr Boscawen said.

ENDS

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