David
CUNLIFFE
Economic Development Spokesperson

5 March 2012 MEDIA STATEMENT
Oz exodus all too predictable

Kiwis packing up and heading across the ditch has become an all too predictable trend under National, and will only worsen as further job cuts and public sector retrenchment is realised, says Labour’s Economic Development spokesperson David Cunliffe.

January 2012 saw the second-highest number of Kiwis emigrating to Australia ever.

“While National drives down wages and puts more people on the dole, Australia is offering secure jobs that pay well. For many, moving is a no-brainer,” David Cunliffe said.

“119,000 people have now left New Zealand since National came to power promising to halt the trans-Tasman exodus. That’s more people than the city of Dunedin, and far more brains than the country can afford to lose.

“Their decision to leave can’t be blamed on the global financial crisis which has hit everyone, including Australia. Nor can it be passed off as short-term thinking. That’s National’s territory.

“The reality is Kiwis are done with slogans They don’t think their future is looking bright,” David Cunliffe said.

ENDS

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