PRESS RELEASE

21 December 1999

The National Party’s Employment Spokesman, Bob Simcock, said today that the new Government’s programme will cost jobs.

“The mix of policies highlighted in today’s speech from the Throne confirms that this is a radical Government committed to building the influence of ‘inside elites’ at the expense of ordinary working kiwi folk”.

“Many of the Labour Party’s election policies were intended to energise the unions in support of Labour’s campaign”.

“A lot of people thought the Government might soften its position once it had used the unions to win power, but that’s not happening” Mr Simcock said.

“The nationalisation of ACC is to go ahead against all advice. This stupid reform will needlessly cost employers over $200 million each year. That means there will be less cash to invest in new jobs.”

“The Government’s industrial relations package will hurt young first time job seekers immediately and put consumers and employees at the ransom of strong unions over time”.

“The Government’s tax increases will put a lot of money into the pockets of lawyers and accountants as high income earners scramble to reorganise their affairs, but ordinary working kiwis will pay the price again through having less investment in jobs”.

“The Labour/Alliance Government says that it wants to increase employment, but in one speech from the Throne, it has put massive barriers in the way of job creation” Mr Simcock concluded.

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For further information, please contact:

Bob Simcock MP
Electorate Office: 07/847-1001 fax: 07/847-1002
Parliament: 04/471-9119 fax: 04/473-0469
Mobile: 025/991-071
E-mail: bob.simcock@xtra.co.nz

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