11 July 2003

Hon Matt Robson MP, Progressive Deputy Leader

Katherine Rich identifies targets, Progressives are in government implementing solutions

At least one National MP has embraced Acting Prime Minister Jim Anderton’s call today to say something positive about our country. In a party focussed on which MP, number 1 or number 27, should be performance reviewed, Katherine Rich today said:

"I think our party should embrace the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs Project. There is merit in debating the idea of a job guarantee for the under 25s. Wouldn't it be a bold move to reduce unemployment for the under 25s to zero?"

That was good as far as it went, but Ms Rich failed to propose any practical steps to achieve those targets. But jobs don't create themselves, economic development is needed to create jobs.

“The Progressives are in government and we are implementing solutions. The numbers show we are delivering results,” said Matt Robson, Progressives deputy leader.
- Budget 2003 committed $84-million over four years industry training.
- The number of industry trainees will double to 150,000 by 2005
- $24-million has gone into the Gateway programme, creating useful workplace experience for secondary school students.
- There will be 7500 Modern Apprenticeships by 2006.
- We’ve committed to working with the Mayors' Taskforce for Jobs.
- By 2007, all 15 – 19 year olds will be engaged in education, training or work.

“And the numbers show we are getting results. There are now 1,895,000 people in jobs, or 132,000 more than when the coalition took office in 1999. Over the same time the number on benefits has dropped by over 40,000 to under 347,000.

“When my party joined the coalition government people asked ‘where are the jobs?'
As part of the coalition, the Progressives are working closely with industry to create opportunities.

“The Progressives are positively engaged in implementing solutions, which is a long way ahead of the National Party who are instead talking ‘performance reviews,’ or the weekend of the long knives,” said Matt Robson.

ENDS

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