Wong needs to address spiralling Asian unemployment
Labour Associate Ethnic Affairs Spokesperson Raymond Huo says Ethnic Affairs Minister Pansy Wong must act urgently, as recently released figures show Asian unemployment has spiralled to a record high 10 percent.
“I am saddened to see the Asian unemployment rate rise higher and higher every month while the Minister of Ethnic Affairs Pansy Wong sits back, seemingly oblivious to the struggle in the ethnic communities she represents,” said Raymond Huo.
“Under National’s watch, Asian unemployment has risen above the national average to more than double from 4.7 percent to 10.5 percent.
“That means there are currently 23,900 unemployed Asians in New Zealand, compared with 9,500 when Labour left office.
“I have asked Ms Wong through written questions how she will curb the dire unemployment situation but have only received half-baked, evasive answers which are an insult to the families struggling to make ends meet in the Asian community.
“This is indicative of Ms Wong’s behaviour in the House where she gives evasive and unintelligible answers to oral questions.
“Asian-New Zealanders deserve better. The feeling in the Asian community is that the Minister of Ethnic Affairs is sitting back, enjoying the shambolic policies her Government are enacting and not listening to the concerns of the Asian community on jobs.”
“I ask Minister Wong to listen to the concerns of the Asian community and play a leading hand in reversing the spiralling unemployment rates," said Raymond Huo.
