Hon Phil Goff
Leader of the Labour Party

20 April 2009 Media Statement


National’s results don’t match its rhetoric

The abandonment of the jobs summit promise of a co-funded partnership to provide credit to firms will be hugely disapointing for those who saw this as an important way to preserve jobs, Labour Leader Phil Goff said today.

“Sadly it is a further sign that National’s results aren’t matching its rhetoric in trying to protect New Zealand jobs,” Phil Goff said.

“It’s really disappointing that the banks have decided not to follow through with this initiative as it had the potential to provide assistance to businesses which are under pressure.

“People will be becoming cynical about the failure to deliver on the summit’s two key promises. The 9 day fortnight has so far delivered limited results and the Cape Reinga to Bluff cycleway has been much reduced in ambition.

“Now the banks have backed off the fund to help struggling businesses.

“The limited success of the jobs summit initiatives to date will concern New Zealanders. The economic crisis is moving faster than the Government’s responses which have not been adequate.

Phil Goff says this National Government is about to face its biggest test.

“The upcoming budget should put in place policies that protect New Zealand jobs and which will lay the foundation for New Zealand’s recovery from the recession,” Phil Goff said.

“National must get it right, it must have a plan, to date it hasn’t had one.

“New Zealanders want a budget that offers a coherent set of initiatives that gets the economy out of the recession in a position of strength. It must be focussed on protecting jobs, homes and businesses.

“To date New Zealanders have been fed gimmicks and slogans that evidence shows has done little to protect their livelihoods.

“It’s time for John Key to scrap his ad hoc approach. We need a real plan and leadership. All New Zealanders hope the budget delivers.

ENDS

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