9. RUSSELL FAIRBROTHER (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister for Social Development and Employment
What reports, if any, has he received in regard to the future of New Zealand’s unemployment rate?
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE (Minister for Social Development and Employment) Link to this
I have seen a report that states: “Labour’s claim that it can bring the unemployment rate down to 3 percent is also a hoax on all the people who think if they voted Labour they would get a job.” That was Bill English in 1999, when the unemployment rate was running at double the current record low rate of 3.6 percent. No doubt National also agrees with ANZ chief economist Cameron Bagrie, who told Radio New Zealand on 11 August that maybe in order to curb inflation it would be better if unemployment rises.
Russell Fairbrother Link to this
What other reports has he seen where commentators have just got it wrong?
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE Link to this
I am pleased to see a report in the Timaru Herald today that corrects the misleading statements of National’s Jo Goodhew. Although Labour has reduced the number of people on benefits in Timaru from 5,085 under National to 3,564 now—a reduction of 1,521 clients, or 30 percent—Jo Goodhew was telling her constituents the complete opposite of that. Instead of celebrating success, it is sad that all National can do is misinform people and bag New Zealand at home and abroad.