Budget MIA on economic development

It is a sad indictment of the lack of vision of the National government that the 2014 Budget has almost nothing to say on how it will support economic, industry or regional development, Grant Robertson Labour Economic Development Spokesperson said.

“Steven Joyce had almost nothing to say in the Budget about economic development. Either he is losing touch with business or he has run out of ideas.

“The regions of New Zealand are crying out for support from the Government to help them create sustainable jobs with decent wages. If the New Zealand economy is to move from volume to value the Government needs to get alongside industries to support that change.

“Instead the Budget has a cut to the regional and industry development fund. National just doesn’t get it.

“The best we got from Bill English was the removal of cheque duty that will deliver 35 cents a year to the average bank customer. I hate to tell him but that is not the step change for the economy.

“Only Labour’s Economic Upgrade with its focus on investment, innovation and industry can deliver the changes needed to create better jobs with higher wages.

“Under Labour, government and industry will work in partnership to deliver jobs and opportunities, right across New Zealand.

“Labour upgrade plans for the Reserve Bank, forestry and manufacturing have been well received by business, and there are more to come. We will be a partner in growing the economy, not a spectator like the National government. We understand what business wants.

“Politics as usual from the National Party is not going to deliver jobs and opportunities to New Zealanders in our regions,” Grant Robertson said.

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