Joyce uses jobless numbers to make case for oil, intensive farming, convention centre
By Pattrick Smellie
Aug 9 (BusinessDesk) - Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce has sought to deflect an unexpected jump in
unemployment numbers to argue the case for economic growth in areas attracting strong public opposition.
Joyce listed the intensification of agriculture and aquaculture, greater foreign investment, expanding oil and gas
exploration, and a new Auckland convention as examples of areas where it was "vital we put out the welcome mat to
business."
"Those that oppose some or all of these things need to understand you can’t have more jobs without taking up these
opportunities," Joyce said, amid a flurry Opposition party criticism that the 6.8 percent unemployment rate recorded in
the three months to June showed the government's failure of economic management.
A fall had been expected to 6.5 percent, after a 6.7 percent unemployment rate recorded in the March quarter. The labour
force participation rate also fell in the June quarter, although it remains historically high at 68.4 percent.
Joyce also said employment rose by 15,000 in the quarter and unemployment fell, once Canterbury was excluded from the
figures, showing the ongoing national impact of the Christchurch earthquakes, where the long-awaited rebuild has yet to
start in earnest.
Joyce's call comes as Cabinet papers released this week show he has been given broad responsibility for all environment,
climate change, energy, conservation, local government and primary industries policy.
The Cabinet decision from early March shows Joyce's and Bill English have been bringing together six "informal groups of
Ministers" in the six areas of focus for what the government's Economic Growth Agenda, four of which are Joyce's
responsibility.
Joyce leads the innovation, skilled workplaces, resources, and export markets portfolios, while English oversees capital
markets and infrastructure.
Joyce also lauded the creation of up to 400 jobs at a "delivery centre" to be developed jointly by global computing firm
IBM and Unitec, an Auckland-based technology training campus.
The centre will create opportunities for students and graduates to gain work in the latest of more than 50 such centres
operating worldwide, and is based on a similar collaboration in the Victorian city of Ballarat.
The work involves business process and information technology services across business operations, including customer
relationship management and remote support.
(BusinessDesk)