5. Hon MARK GOSCHE (Labour—Maungakiekie) Link to this
to the Minister of Labour
What recent reports, if any, has she received on the minimum wage?
Hon RUTH DYSON (Minister of Labour) Link to this
I have received a report on a survey of Wellington businesses, which shows that nearly 70 percent of those businesses support the raising of the minimum wage.
Yes, as a matter of fact, I have. I have seen reports in which the need for a minimum wage at all is dismissed. That indicates how out of touch with New Zealanders and the business sector Dr Brash has become, because his views are quoted in the reports.
Yes, I have seen another report that suggests we abandon not only the minimum wage but also minimum holiday entitlements, parental leave, and the moves to close the gender pay and employment gap. Again, those are wishes expressed by Dr Brash.
Sue BradfordDoes the Minister consider the survey results that came out the other day from Wellington businesses to be a more accurate reflection of the views of business around this country about the need for a higher minimum wage than some of the other reports the member has referred to?
I assume that the survey results accurately reflect the opinions of those who were surveyed in the Wellington business area.
Peter BrownNoting those favourable answers, certainly to the principal question and to the Green member’s question, will the Minister recommend to the Prime Minister that the words “if economic conditions permit” be deleted from the confidence and supply agreement between New Zealand First and the Labour Government so that we can guarantee that there will be a $12 minimum wage by the year 2008?