John Key promised that under a National government we’d catch up to Australia. He has succeeded on one measure. When he took office we had a lower unemployment rate than the Aussies. Under Key we’ve not only caught up, we’ve overtaken them.
In the past month 20,000 new jobs were created in Australia, the 7th straight month the number of jobs increased over the ditch. 215,000 jobs have been created in Oz in the past 6 months. Here in New Zealand 60,000 Kiwis have lost their jobs since National took office.
National has had a year and a half to implement their plan (or come up with a new one) yet they’ve spent it sitting on the sidelines. By contrast the Labor govt in Aussie has invested in a bold stimulus package, with a particular focus on R&D and education (unlike National who have cut both). Now National wants to raise GST too.
I hope this year’s Budget will demonstrate that National does actually have a plan. If they don’t, I suspect even more Kiwis will be crossing the Tasman.
Chris – is it Labour’s position that the the health / accident disparity should be addressed? If so, how would this be done? Would it be by reducing assistance available to accident victims down to levels provided under health?
Anton – it’s my personal view that it is an issue that needs to be dealt with. As the box top right states, this blog reflects the personal views of Labour MPs, not necessarily party policy.
Sure, I understand that – just seeing if there’s a party position. I seem to remember though that when the issue was raised with the Human Right Rights Commission the then Labour government defended the discrimination claim vigourously. Just as as a matter of interest though, is it your personal view that the unfairness / disparity should addressed by increasing assistance under the health system or by decreasing assistance under ACC?