8:23 PM |
Minister's comments offensive to Pacific communities
Labour Associate Spokesperson for Social Development Carmel Sepuloni says she was appalled at the Minister of Social Development's response to a question about employment initiatives for Pacific People during this recession.
"I asked the Minister yesterday in Parliament if she was aware that Pacific People are disproportionately affected by this recession with their present unemployment rate being 13.1% and if so, why was there nothing in the Budget targeted at reducing the number of Pacific people unemployed. Her response was abysmal and offensive."
"She stated that she had received a letter from a Pacific person last week, outlining how thrilled the person was with the Government's investment in infrastructure because this would generate many jobs for Pacific People working on our roads and on those sorts of projects," said Carmel Sepuloni.
"Perhaps the National Government's rhetoric of 'aspirations for all New Zealanders', has been hiding a silent disclaimer at the end that should possibly read 'except for Pacific Island people'.
"It is clear that Paula Bennett relegates Pacific People to the blue collar positions that they traditionally worked on arrival to New Zealand and has no real understanding of the educational aspirations that are shared across the Pacific communities.
"If the Government had any respect for the contribution that Pacific People have made to New Zealand and any genuine faith in the potential that exists amongst the Pacific community, then it would be investing heavily in ensuring that Pacific People come out the other end of this recession with a higher level of training and fully equipped to step in to better employment opportunities," Carmel Sepuloni said.
"Instead they have ignored us in the Budget in the same manner that Paula Bennett ignored the question that was asked of her in the House today and chosen instead to mask their disinterest in us, by refusing to address the issues confronting us."
Contact: Carmel Sepuloni: 0212727635
<<SepuloniBennett.doc>>
Ruth Berry
Press Secretary
Office of Hon Phil Goff
Leader of the Opposition
+64 4 817 9685 or +64 21 833 353
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