1 February 2013

Record emigration to Australia as Nats fail on the economy

A record 53,676 people left New Zealand to live in Australia in 2012 as the National Government failed to create jobs and opportunities for people to live here, Green Party Co-leader Dr Russel Norman said today.

Statistics New Zealand’s International Travel and Migration series shows that 53,676 people left permanently for Australia in the year to December. This is the highest December year total in history, eclipsing the 51,054 in 2011, 36,830 in 2010, and 32,755 in 2009. Net emigration to Australia, at 38,796, is also at a record.

“The National Government has failed to create jobs for Kiwis in this country, so over 1,000 New Zealanders are packing their bags for Australia every week,” said Dr Norman.

“Four years of inaction from John Key has only led to rising unemployment and a flood of emigrants to Australia. Yet, this National Government still has its head in the sand, refusing to acknowledge the need for action, such as bringing down the over-valued dollar, so that Kiwi businesses can continue to employ Kiwi workers.

“Mr Key refuses to even admit there is a crisis in manufacturing, despite the continuing job losses.

“The Green Party has a smart, green economic plan to get New Zealand working again. It starts with government taking an active role in supporting sustainable businesses and giving exporters a fair exchange rate,” said Dr Norman.

ENDS

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