20 June 2003

Hon Matt Robson MP, Progressive Deputy Leader

Strong Immigration = Vote for Labour Progressive Coalition

The strong level of immigration into New Zealand is a vote of confidence in the country's future under the Labour Progressive Coalition, Progressive MP Matt Robson said today.

"When Statistics NZ reports today that a net 42,500 people migration to New Zealand in the 12 months ending May 31, bolstering the size our four million population by 1.1 percentage points, what that really means is that New Zealand is a great place to live with a good future.

"Around 132,000 jobs have been created in the three and a half years since a progressive coalition government was elected, the country's unemployment rate is much lower than most other OECD countries and we're building up the infrastructure of our country to improve job opportunities and hope for our young. This Coalition is clearly getting things done in the interests of all people in New Zealand.

"The parties of the so-called Grand Coalition of the Right like slamming into the positive progress made by New Zealanders but the reality is the country's current success in attracting talented people to our shores is a vote of confidence in our future under a Labour Progressive Coalition, and is a stark contrast from the Brain Drain of the past under National-led governments," he added.

ENDS

© Scoop Media