Bob Simcock National Social Services Spokesperson
17 December 2001
Poverty grows despite Govt promises
After two years of a Labour-Alliance Government it is now clear that the poor are just getting poorer, and there is no
excuse for it, National's Social Services spokesperson Bob Simcock said today.
"Because National grew the New Zealand economy, the Government inherited conditions that most incoming Governments would
be rapt to find.=20
"The economy was growing very rapidly at 4% and rising and export receipts were the best they had been in decades due to
strong international demand and a competitive dollar. As a result, demand for labour increased and more New Zealanders
got a job. =20
"The Government inherited ideal conditions to tackle some of the poverty issues that Labour candidates promised they
would address before the last election. This Government hasn't been serious about addressing poverty so we are seeing
more very long-term unemployed and a higher demand for foodbanks.
"Under the Labour Government some major foodbanks in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch have experienced alarming
increases in demand and the number of people who have been unemployed for over five years has increased.
"In a time of increased opportunity Labour-Alliance policies have further entrenched the worst poverty," Mr Simcock
said.
Ends