16 January 2009 Media Statement

Bennett refuses to front on crucial jobs issue

The arrogant and dismissive refusal of Social Development Minister Paula Bennett to front on the issue of providing effective support for New Zealanders who lose their jobs in the current economic crisis is appalling, says Labour Social Development spokesperson Annette King.

“I am staggered that Paula Bennett did not attend yesterday’s so-called ministerial summit on the economy,” Annette King said.

“Surely our most important priority in combating the global economic crisis is doing everything we can to preserve the jobs of New Zealanders, and yet the Minister who has responsibility for looking after those who do lose their jobs is nowhere to be seen around the ministerial table. John Key has called a jobs summit, but he clearly doesn’t consider his jobs minister to be an important part of the solution.”

Ms King said it was even worse, however, that “Paula Bennett seems to be turning her back on the need to provide frontline support for those who lose their jobs. Before Christmas I asked her in a written question if she could guarantee that no frontline staff would lose their jobs as a result of her holding the Ministry of Social Development to their target of a five percent overall reduction in staff numbers in the next four years.

“Her reply is an amazing admission that she doesn’t see herself as having any meaningful role in helping those who face the cruel reality of joblessness. She has responded that my question relates to operational and employment matters, which are the responsibility of the ministry’s chief executive.

“What a shameful denial of ministerial care, and what a slap in the face for the increasing number of New Zealanders whom John Key predicts may lose their jobs by 2011,” Ms King said.

“Paula Bennett’s arrogant response does not augur well in terms of the level of commitment National has to looking after the welfare of those most seriously affected by the economic downturn, and doesn’t bode well either in terms of the Government genuinely seeking to make its own jobs summit a success. Jobless New Zealanders cannot be allowed to become an afterthought.”

Attached: Answer to written question 08749.

Hon Annette King: Will she guarantee no frontline staff will lose their jobs as a result of her holding the Ministry of Social Development to their target of 5% overall reduction in staff numbers in the next 4 years?

Answer
Hon Paula Bennett: The question the Member asks relates to operational and employment matters, which are the responsibility of the Chief Executive.

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