KEY POINTS:
The new National Government is grossly underestimating the severity of the economic crisis it faces, says Labour leader Phil Goff.
After the Labour Party's two-day caucus conference wound up in Auckland yesterday, Mr Goff said the caucus had heard an analysis of the economic problems New Zealand and the rest of the world faced.
"We are facing a position where maybe up to 60,000 people are at risk of losing their jobs. This is a situation from which we need from the Government an immediate response. Clearly the response to date will not do the job."
Mr Goff said it was critical New Zealanders were protected in their jobs and in their homes from the international downturn.
He said the Government kept talking about initiatives but had no vision and no plan to tackle the crisis.
He said Labour had offered to help the Government deal with the crisis but the Government was in disarray and ill-prepared for what it faced.
"Wherever we can we will use the knowledge and experience we have to work with him [Prime Minister John Key] but when the hand is not extended to provide that assistance then you have to worry about where the Government's head is at."
He compared Mr Key's leadership with that of new United States President Barack Obama.
"You only have to look at Barack Obama to see the vision, the inspiration he has given. New Zealanders can see that sort of leadership against what is happening in New Zealand and contrast the difference," Mr Goff said.
- NZPA
