Wellington, Nov 2 NZPA - More details have been released about Labour's plans to stimulate the economy if re-elected on Saturday.

Labour leader Helen Clark has already indicated she would release an economic stimulus package in December intended to help the country through the international downturn.

Labour has already said it would spend money to help workers who had been made redundant get retraining, ease provisional tax payments and bring forward infrastructure spending.

Miss Clark said in addition to the spending on road, rail, housing and tree planting, a Labour government would also bring forward access to the $1 billion home efficiency fund.

This would be targeted at areas where high unemployment emerged as retrofitting older houses was labour intensive and required little training.

A Labour government would also provide subsidies to local councils to bring forward projects such as new roads and public transport enhancements.

These would be on a case-by-case basis.

There would also be more spending earlier on rolling out broadband.

In the pre-election fiscal update, Treasury estimated unemployment would rise to more than five percent.

This is still relatively low by historical standards, however since those forecasts the international credit crisis has deepened and threatened to derail the wider international economy.

Both Labour and National have put forward policies intended to soften the blow and stimulate the economy.

National leader John Key said Labour had nine years to stimulate the economy and had failed.

Labour's broadband package was a watered down version of what his party was offering, Mr Key said.

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