Today's Ministry of Social Development stats, which show record numbers of New Zealanders relying on benefits, are further proof that the Government for the rich is failing unemployed people and fuelling poverty.
"These figures paint a damning picture of an economy that's failing to provide enough jobs or opportunities," says the Green Party's Social Development and Employment spokesperson, Ricardo Menéndez March.
"New Zealanders should be in control of our economy, our jobs, and our future. We can create the jobs we need and do the kind of work that helps us build an Aotearoa we can be proud of.
"With fewer jobs available and living costs skyrocketing, more people are being pushed onto Jobseeker benefits. In fact, National's economy for the rich is leaving more people stuck receiving poverty incomes on Jobseeker Support than COVID-19 did.
"This is yet another example of Luxon's coalition punching down on New Zealanders who are unemployed as a result of the Government's own economic mismanagement.
"Despite what Christopher Luxon's 'young people on playstation' rhetoric would have you believe, people aren't choosing Jobseeker benefits.
"People want to work and there are masses of important projects for people to work on - housing, climate protection, nature regeneration and others. The main barrier to people finding work is this Government.
"The Greens have a plan to create tens of thousands of good jobs across Aotearoa and guarantee a liveable income for everyone.
"We can do things differently, so everyone has what they need to live a good life. That starts with kicking Luxon and his cronies out next term," says Ricardo Menéndez March.
