National blames high oil prices, looming election for rising unemployment

National's Finance Spokesperson is optimistic that despite the unemployment rate rising, another term in government would see things right. 

Stats NZ data released yesterday saw the rate rise from 5.6% to 5.7% in the September quarter. 

Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking our Official Cash Rate is much healthier than Australia's, who are dealing with an 18 year high. 

"Inflation is under better control and growth is returning; we're doing what we can." 

She said high oil prices and an election had created uncertainty for businesses to employ workers. 

"There's a possible increase to taxes, a lot more borrowing and higher inflation and higher interest rates…" 

"We [National] will be able to find work; we have incentives in the welfare system to nudge them along and good training programmes in place. 

"I'm also optimistic all of these fast-tracked projects will provide opportunities up and down regions not just in maim cities and the South Island." 

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