8 November 2012 MEDIA STATEMENT

Key’s legacy: highest jobless rate since Shipley

John Key’s legacy to New Zealand will be the highest jobless rate in 13 years, since the last time a National government was in power, says Labour Leader David Shearer.

“John Key promised he would create 170,000 new jobs. Instead we have 175,000 people looking for work and the highest jobless rate in 13 years.

“I know the biggest concern for New Zealanders right now is holding down a job that pays a good wage. It’s tough out there.

“Today’s figures come as no surprise to New Zealanders. Week after week, more job losses are announced. Just two days ago high-tech manufacturer Rakon outsourced 60 good jobs overseas. On the same day Kiwi icon Fisher and Paykel was sold offshore, raising fears jobs will go with it.

“It’s yet more disappointing news for New Zealanders, who are constantly being let down by this Government.

“What will it take for National to admit its hands-off policies aren’t working? How many more jobs will have to go? Kiwis deserve better.

“The last time unemployment was this high was the last time National was in power. There’s no coincidence, National brushes unemployment under the carpet. Labour is the party of jobs.

“National doesn’t have the ideas or the willpower to get the economy moving and businesses flourishing. Labour does.

“Labour will be hands-on. We will work with businesses, workers and communities to create opportunities, advance new ideas and get New Zealanders working for a just wage again.

“We will increase our investment pool by making KiwiSaver universal and use capital gains taxes and tax credits to direct that money to good companies that create high-paying jobs.

ends

© Scoop Media

Scoop Business: Bathurst Gets Nod For DoC Access To Denniston Mine

Conservation Minister Nick Smith has approved access over conservation estate land for Bathurst Resources to develop an open cast coal mine on the Denniston Plateau, above Westport, to the dismay of environmental opponents.

The timing for Smith’s move avoids Bathurst having to resubmit applications for access agreements under the revised Crown Minerals Act, which comes into force tomorrow and would have required public consultation.

The announcement lands in the middle of delicate negotiations between the company, environmental groups and other interested parties that could pave the way to a broader agreement on the Escarpment proposal, whose resource consents are still subject to court appeals. More>>