Nothing in this Budget for Pacific Island people
"Today's Budget announcement by Finance Minister Hon Bill English was depressingly silent on the key issue for Pacific people today, unemployment." Labour's Spokesperson for Pacific Island Affairs, Luamanuvao Winnie Laban said.
"National has no plan to combat joblessness; Pacific people are amongst the most vulnerable in these hard economic times."
In a press release today, the Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Hon Georgina Te Heuheu failed to mention any initiatives to combat job losses amongst Pacific people, despite the fact that a recent Household Labour Force Survey had unemployment amongst Pacific people jumping to 13.1%, by far the highest level amongst any group in New Zealand.
"Before the Budget, I asked the Minister what initiatives the Ministry has underway to help combat rising unemployment amongst pacific people, her response was to wait until Budget day. I did wait, and it delivered nothing," said Winnie Laban.
