2. Job Summit—Prime Ministers Statement (Part One)

Hon Phil Goff: Why did the Prime Minister axe Enterprising Communities, which had a proven track record of success, yet he has found $35 million for boot camps, which have a proven track record of failure?

Hon JOHN KEY: Firstly, I would not agree with the Leader of the Opposition in relation to the first statement he made. It was 3-year funding that was meant to be sustainable and it did not prove to be sustainable. I am interested in the Leader of the Oppositions saying that he does not think that boot camps or programmes that have a bit of structure and discipline to them are any good, because funnily enough, in 1996 Phil Goff said that Labour would also encourage young offenders into the armed services to gain discipline, self-esteem and trade qualifications. Excellent idea!

Chris Tremain: What other reports has the Prime Minister seen about Government responses to tough economic conditions?

Hon JOHN KEY:I have seen a report from a Minister of a previous Government facing debt and the threat of credit downgrades, who supported the decision to impose a surtax on older New Zealanders: It is true that the Labour Party said that a Labour Government would not cut superannuation. Frankly, to have sustained that point of view against all the evidence would have been totally irresponsible. That statement was from none other than Phil Goff. Well, we are facing tough international times, but unlike when that member was a Minister, older New Zealanders can know that their superannuation is safe under this Government.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• John Key
• Phil Goff
• Chris Tremain