Roger Sowry National Industrial Relations Spokesman

29 September 2003

Business wants innovation, gets frustration

The National Party says it's not surprised that senior business leaders are giving the Government a clear message to back off.

Commenting on a survey out today slating government attempts at wooing the business sector, National's Industrial Relations spokesman, Roger Sowry, says Labour's heavy-handed approach is now being seen for what it is - a PR exercise.

"It is obvious that the Economic Development Minister's way of doing business hasn't fooled anyone.

"His record in picking favourites can be summed up in just two words - Sovereign Yachts - and today's survey confirms that business leaders aren't impressed.

"A comment from one respondent that "they have no idea what they are doing" says it all. The business sector doesn't want this hands-on approach, they want the Government to back-off."

Mr Sowry says Labour must pay heed to the growing tension around proposed labour market reforms.

"The fact that this survey highlights major concerns about these issues should make it listen.

"Business is battling a growing list of compliance costs and Labour just piles more on. OSH laws, ACC, Kyoto and the Resource Management Act are all tightening the stranglehold.

"At a time when our businesses need innovative strategies to help them prosper, the Government's pulls on the handbrake. Our advice is to butt out, and let business get on with the job of doing business," says Mr Sowry.

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