Lockwood Smith MP
National Party Immigration Spokesman
24 June 2008
Clark in denial over Oz exodus
Helen Clark is stretching the bounds of credibility with her claims that the exodus of people to Australia was worse
under previous governments, says National's Immigration spokesman, Lockwood Smith.
"The statistics show the number of people leaving for Australia has accelerated on her watch, despite her promise to do
something about it.
"Since 2000, the average net loss of people to Australia has been more than 19,800 a year. That is more than twice the
number leaving for Australia in the 1990s. This is Labour's record of failure.
"In November 1999, Miss Clark said that 'people go to Australia now in terms of jobs, challenging jobs, and the real
challenge to us in this country is to build a new economy which will offer that challenge'.
"She added that 'I think the real issue this election is whether we're going to build an economy that can retain our
talented and skilled people because that's the only way we'll prosper'.
"Helen Clark's words have come back to haunt her.
"Instead, after nine years, Labour has failed to provide a compelling reason for our best and brightest to stay, and
Kiwis are voting with their feet.
"Helen Clark is dancing on the head of a pin while remaining in complete denial."
ENDS