Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Clark in denial over Oz exodus
Lockwood Smith MP
National Party Immigration
Spokesman
24 June 2008
Clark in denial over Oz exodus
Helen Clark is stretching the bounds of credibility with her claims that the exodus of people to Australia was worse under previous governments, says National's Immigration spokesman, Lockwood Smith.
"The statistics show the number of people leaving for Australia has accelerated on her watch, despite her promise to do something about it.
"Since 2000, the average net loss of people to Australia has been more than 19,800 a year. That is more than twice the number leaving for Australia in the 1990s. This is Labour's record of failure.
"In November 1999, Miss Clark said that 'people go to Australia now in terms of jobs, challenging jobs, and the real challenge to us in this country is to build a new economy which will offer that challenge'.
"She added that 'I think the real issue this election is whether we're going to build an economy that can retain our talented and skilled people because that's the only way we'll prosper'.
"Helen Clark's words have come back to haunt her.
"Instead, after nine years, Labour has failed to provide a compelling reason for our best and brightest to stay, and Kiwis are voting with their feet.
"Helen Clark is dancing on the head of a pin while remaining in complete denial."
ENDS
Gordon Campbell: On unemployment, Winston Peters’ low boiling point and music criticism
Government: Streamlining Building Consent Changes
Koi Tu - The Centre for Informed Futures: If Not Journalists, Then Who?
FIRST Union: May Day, The Biggest Threat To NZ Workers In 2024 Is Our Government
Green Party: New Unemployment Figures Paint Bleak Picture 
Labour Party: National Should Heed Tribunal Warning And Scrap Coalition Commitment With ACT
Government: Saves Access To Medicines
