MEDIA RELEASE
Inequality Campaigners Living in Echo Chamber

3 JULY 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

It's time for left-wing lobby group ‘Closing the Gap’ to admit that income inequality is not getting worse in New Zealand, as shown by two substantial reports recently published by economic researchers.

‘Closing the Gap’ advocate against income inequality, which they claim is growing, yet have failed to acknowledge the two major reports on the subject in as many years both showing inequality has not changed in decades. It appears the group's spokesperson, Peter Malcolm has repeatedly misled the public by claiming income inequality in New Zealand is widening, without being able to point to any reputable evidence to support the claim.

Last year the New Zealand Initiative, the country’s leading economic think tank, released a report showing inequality is unchanged in over two decades. More recently, the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research released a comprehensive study with identical results.

Mac Mckenna, an economist at the Taxpayers’ Union says, “Given ‘Closing the Gap’ is primarily concerned with income inequality, why won’t their spokesperson publicly acknowledge that inequality is unchanged in decades? He needs to correct his previous false claims where he has said that inequality has been getting worse.”

“Too often 'poverty' activists like ‘Closing the Gap’ ignore evidence when it does not suit their ideological crusade. That detracts from good public policy.”

“By ignoring the preeminent research on income inequality, Mr Malcolm is keeping his supporters in an echo chamber - closed off from any arguments or evidence that does not agree with existing predispositions.”

The 2016 New Zealand Initiative report showing inequality has not changed in two decades is available at www.nzinitiative.org.nz/insights/reports/the-inequality-paradox/

The NZIER report released last month is available at www.nzier.org.nz/publication/peak-inequality-new-zealands-own-false-truth-nzier-insight-70

ENDS

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