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Labour's David Parker hits out over wage gap with Australia, says PM Key has failed to fulfil promise of narrowing gap

Labour's David Parker hits out over wage gap with Australia, says PM Key has failed to fulfil promise of narrowing gap

The wage gap between New Zealand and Australia has grown to the extent that Kiwis living across the ditch can now earn as much in four days as New Zealanders living at home receive for more than five days work, says Labour Party Finance spokesman David Parker.

Parker says the median weekly wage gap with Australia has "ballooned" by $60 to $180 per week since John Key became Prime Minister in 2008, despite the National Party’s promise to close the gap. Parker's statement made no mention, or comparison, of tax and living cost differences between New Zealand and Australia.

“In Australia the median wage is $1,067, in New Zealand it’s $887, according to the latest statistics. To make up the difference Kiwis need to work another full day and another hour on top of that. It’s no surprise 182,000 Kiwis have left under National," Parker says.

“Kiwis who left for Australia only need to work a four day week to get what they were earning here. What a luxury. Of course they are leaving in droves, with a record 54,000 buying a one-way ticket last year. John Key told all New Zealanders that a fundamental purpose of his Government would be, ‘to narrow the wage gap between ourselves and Australia, and to grow local wages in New Zealand'," Parker added.

“National made a promise it can’t fulfil, it’s time they admitted they broke their word to New Zealanders."

Parker says New Zealanders want a hands-on government willing to roll up its sleeves.

"Labour has a vision of a high-tech, high-growth and high-wage New Zealand. We will take the steps necessary to make that happen."

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7 Comments

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Well, next November the Great Unwashed get their chance to give this economically clueless lot their chance.

 

My bet if that comes to pass:  another go at Redistributing yourselves rich, with a side serving of $30/hr minimum wages.

 

Gap closed.

 

There.  Easy-peasy, weren't it?

 

They may, however, haveta reckon with John Galt....

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from my own experience....I earn about 20% more, plus get family tax benefit, so in real terms probably about 30% better off at least

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Not enough to make up for having to live in Aus. My rellie doubled pay which might entice me, but not in my field. Thought you were an architect? They don't get much, if anything, more than here and after 5 or 6 years seem to come back.

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many variables Bob, including where you live. If you live in Sydney, with its cost of living, 20-30% extra won't go far.

If you live in a relatively affordable city like Adelaide or Brisbane, very different story.

I trained and practised as an architect, have been working in an advisory role in development sector now for a number of years. 

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Perhaps this link will help explain The forbidden history of taxes.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGHY8XpM6oI?hd=1

 

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Do Parker and John Key earn less than their counterparts in Australia?

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