Leaders' blog: Friday, October 31, 2008

Helen Clark's log: 31-10-2008

 

Yesterday saw me campaigning in Christchurch on a beautiful Spring day.

After visiting the Otautahi Runaka, and an interview on Newstalk 3ZB with host Ali Jones, it was off to the Riccarton and Northland malls, where I got fantastic receptions from people out and about.

I also visited Patience and Nicholson Engineering at Kaiapoi, where senior staff and I talked about electricity prices, new machinery being developed and skills shortages.

They told me a great story of an apprentice they took on at age 57, and who is now fully qualified and doing great.

Having the support to take on new challenges is part of the thinking behind the transition policy I announced yesterday. Labour will introduce a new Job Seeker Allowance available for up to 13 weeks, to those made redundant, after five years in the workforce. It will not be means tested against their partner's income ensuring it is real assistance when people need help getting back on their feet.

This commitment recognises that two-earner families have financial commitments around their joint income and this helps them cope when redundancy hits.

This is part of Labour's comprehensive plan to deal with harder economic times brought on by the instability of international markets. We've already announced plans for a stimulus package in December including plans to bring forward infrastructure projects which are job rich, and a retraining allowance for those made redundant after five years in the workforce.

What to watch for today: Our campaign heads back to Auckland.

Helen Clark

 

John Key's log: 31-10-2008

Yesterday I travelled to the Wellington region to continue talking about the issues that matter to New Zealanders.

During the morning I addressed a good-sized meet-the-candidates meeting organised by Kapiti Grey Power at the Southward Museum, and received a great response.

Issues discussed included law and order, health services, and our commitment to not sell state assets.

Afterwards, I took an action-packed stroll through the Coastlands Shoppingtown Mall where, among others, I met a group of youths from a course I'd previously visited, and Greens co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons who wanted to ask about our views on the emissions trading scheme and Kyoto Protocol.

As I've said many times, National will introduce a well-designed ETS that balances our economic opportunities with our environmental responsibilities, and we won't be withdrawing from the Kyoto Protocol.

I travelled back to Wellington to address the Police Association's conference on our Action Plan for violent crime. I want action on crime, because the time for talk is over.

Our plan covers issues like gangs and their drug trade, violent youth crime, bail and parole laws, police numbers, crimes against children, on-the-spot protection orders, a victims' compensation scheme, and reform of prisons so offenders are made to work and can get drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

Today I am in Hamilton for a number of visits and the announcement of our transitional relief package. Tonight I will be in Whangarei.

John Key