Record exodus to Australia just another broken promise

The fact that more than 1000 Kiwis are fleeing to Australia every week proves that this Government has failed to get our economy going and to provide New Zealanders with the opportunities and incomes they need to stay at home, says Labour Leader David Shearer.

“John Key once made a bold promise to stop the exodus to Australia. Yet new figures show that more than 145,000 Kiwis have quit the country and headed across the Tasman since he became Prime Minister.

“There were 53,200 departures in the year to March 2012 alone. That’s a new record and not one to be proud of.

“John Key’s failure to grow our economy despite all the talk has left New Zealanders feeling like there is no hope here at home. They’re working harder than ever but not getting ahead. That’s why they’re looking to Australia for a better life.

“New Zealand is simply not making the gains it should be. The fact we’re facing a zero budget is evidence of that. National has failed to grow our economy and provide the opportunities and choices New Zealanders want. It’s looking to short-term fixes like selling assets, farmland and even legislation for pokies, instead of focusing on what matters to most New Zealanders.

“We have huge potential as a country. We just need to be bold enough to take the action needed to turn our economy around. Labour will pursue a plan that is pro-growth. It will be focused on creating jobs and opportunities so that New Zealanders want to stay and contribute to a more prosperous future for us all,” said David Shearer.