11 June 2004

Hon Matt Robson MP, Progressive Deputy Leader

ANZ Job Ads report points to further gains in job numbers

Progressive MP Matt Robson says the latest ANZ Bank Job Ads report lends support to the view that New Zealand's unemployment rate, currently at its lowest level in a generation, is set to continue.

"ANZ reported today that newspaper job advertising levels have settled at a level consistent with continuing expansion in job numbers. Job advertising levels in the major newspapers rose a further 1% in the month of May," Matt Robson said.

"This is further good news in the campaign against poverty and social injustice. There is no better tonic against poverty and inequality than the availability of secure jobs and the offer of steady, adequate incomes," the Progressive MP said.

ANZ today estimated that newspaper job advertising will plateau around current historically high levels. ANZ expects further employment gains through the remainder of 2004 and into 2005, albeit at a more modest rate of growth than the unsustainably strong results in recent quarters.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

Given the layers of meta-irony involved, the saga of the Sony cyber attack seemed at the outset more like a snarky European art film than a popcorn entry at the multiplex.

Yet now with (a) President Barack Obama weighing in on the side of artistic freedom and calling for the US to make a ‘proportionate response’quickly followed by (b) North Korea’s entire Internet service going down, and with both these events being followed by (c) Sony deciding to backtrack and release The Interview film that had made it a target for the dastardly North Koreans in the first place, then ay caramba…the whole world will now be watching how this affair pans out. More>>