Today’s labour market statistics reflect the impact of uncertainty on the economy and the need to stick with the plan that is working to rebuild the economy, National’s Finance spokesperson Nicola Willis says.
“The economy is strengthening but businesses have been understandably cautious about employing more people while oil prices remain high and the outcome of the New Zealand election remains unknown.
“We can’t control events in the Middle East, but we can control what happens here in New Zealand.
“What businesses need is certainty about tax settings and regulatory reform, and certainty that the Government will continue to pursue a sensible fiscal course.
“That is why a party vote for National is so important at this election.
“Good intentions are not a substitute for competence. Unemployment will rise if a Labour, Greens, Te Pāti Māori, Opportunity government gets the chance to increase borrowing and taxation and put more obstacles in the path of Kiwi businesses.
“Recent business surveys have shown optimism and hiring intentions increasing and Treasury says 220,000 jobs are on the way. But that optimism and those jobs are predicated on National’s economic plan.
“Fast-track is a big part of that plan. The 37 projects approved so far are expected to support around 70,000 jobs. Alongside Investment Boost and new trade deals, it’s giving employers the confidence to invest and hire.
“Labour would put all of that at risk. It tried to remove 19 of those Fast-track projects and the 50,000 jobs they support. It would scrap Investment Boost and hike taxes on business. And it doesn’t have a plan on trade, previously saying a trade deal with India wasn’t a priority – a deal National secured within this term.
“On top of that, a Labour coalition with Chlöe Swarbrick as Finance Minister would spend and borrow more, pushing up inflation and interest rates, and hit Kiwis with nine new taxes. That’s the surest way to stall the recovery.
“We haven’t come this far to let Labour send us backwards again. A party vote for anyone other than National risks Labour finishing as the largest party and forming coalition government that would undo all the gains we’ve worked so hard for.
“Don’t take the risk that you wake up on November 8 to a Labour-Greens-Te Pāti Māori-Opportunity Government. If you want a National Government to keep delivering on our plan, don’t leave it to chance – get out and vote for it today.
“Stick with the plan that’s working and party vote National.”
