Crisis Is An Opportunity

The Hon Sir Roger Douglas

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

ACT New Zealand Finance Spokesman Sir Roger Douglas today accused Labour and National of fiddling while the economy burns, and said the country urgently needs quality decisions in the interest of every New Zealander - not the two old Parties frantically chasing votes.

"The answer is not to borrow and hope, and it's certainly not to cut taxes without a clue of where the money will come from - all that will do is speed the nation down the slippery slope towards bankruptcy," Sir Roger said.

"The immediate need is to get government spending under control. That means taking bold steps to identify and eradicate wasteful and ineffective government spending. That means limiting any increase in government expenditure to inflation plus any population growth.

"Then we can start talking about cutting taxes - quite dramatically - and create an environment in which companies and individuals will be encouraged to produce more.

"While it may sound odd from an ACT Finance Spokesman, we must get our ducks in a row and ensure we can afford everything we do. Cutting taxes comes at a cost and must be paid for. National Leader John Key must spell out precisely where that money is coming from.

"Finance Minister Dr Michael Cullen has wasted the good economic years with lazy and sloppy decision-making that has blown out government expenditure over and above inflation by $18 billion a year - or $230 a week for every household in the country. This has put the squeeze on individuals, families and businesses alike.

"The tough times ahead now give us the opportunity to sort the basic problems and establish principled government. Together with National, ACT Leader Rodney Hide and I would insist on quality economic decision-making with its core fundamental being detailed scrutiny of how every dollar of taxpayers' money is spent.

"We need a change of government, but we also need a change in direction. That's why a Party Vote for ACT is so critical," Sir Roger said.

ENDS

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