In response to a question in Parliament today Minister of Labour, Margaret Wilson refused to say whether the Labour Government could reduce unemployment by even one person over its full term.

ACT Employment Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman said Labour Ministers, who were so critical about unemployment just a few months ago, have now u- turned to the point where they will not give any commitment to the country that they can reduce the number of unemployed.

“Despite inheriting a strong economy, the Government cannot give any guarantee that the numbers of unemployed will be less, because they know that under their policies it is unlikely,” she said.

“With the interest rate rises that will continue because of Labour’s naked vote buying, growth will be inadequate to reduce benefit numbers” said Muriel Newman.

“That is why we have the remarkable avoidance of the Minister of Labour , who when asked whether she would say if the Government would reduce unemployment at all , she limply evaded by saying these things were hard to predict.

“My advice is that the registered unemployed will rise, but worse ,the numbers of people who have been unemployed for over 2 years will double from the 44,000 Labour inherited, to at least 80,000 if the Greens keep them in power for the full 3 years,” said Muriel Newman.

ENDS

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