Youth Wings Unite To Express Outrage

18th August 2000 Media Statment
For Immediate Release

Young Labour and Staunch Alliance have taken the unprecedented step of issuing the following joint statement in reaction to the actions of the Labour and Alliance parties on Wednesday night in voting against a Private Members' Bill which would have reinstated the Emergency Unemployment Benefit.

"Both Labour and the Alliance had condemned the actions of the National Government when the Emergency Unemployment Benefit was abolished in 1998," said Julie Fairey, Staunch Alliance spokesperson. "To not even allow the Bill to be further discussed denies students an opportunity to highlight the hardship thousands have faced every summer since, in addition to high fees and means-tested living allowances."

"Young Labour is committed to the reinstatement of the EUB. We have maintained that policy commitment since 1998. The removal of the benefit by the previous National Government was unjust and unnecessary. Labour's policy does not promise to reinstate the EUB. However, we are disappointed that the Govt has refused to even consider and debate the issue," said Michael Wallmannsberger, Young Labour President.

"All people should be entitled to equal access to support from the state, regardless of their age or parents' incomes. We will continue to pressure the Government to change their minds on this issue, and accept Young Labour's policy, " said Mr Wallmannsberger.

"Staunch Alliance are particularly outraged that the Alliance has voted against a Bill substantially close to their own policy and we, as Alliance activists, will be doing all we can within the party to see that our policy is honoured in time to stop student foodbanks reopening this summer," said Ms Fairey.

Contacts: Staunch Alliance National Spokesperson: Julie Fairey (09) 623-2676 (021) 216-7868

Young Labour President Michael Wallmannsberger (025) 277 9924

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