National's Focus On Economic Growth Applauded

National's Focus On Economic Growth Applauded

"The economic discussion paper Prosperity for All New Zealanders suggests the National Party is now focused on economic growth in a serious way", the executive director of the New Zealand Business Roundtable, Roger Kerr, said today.

"There has been too much talk by political parties of bold growth targets and a lack of credible programmes for achieving them.

"The thrust of National's paper is much more in line with what the business community and organisations like the OECD have been saying is needed to achieve faster growth.

"The paper covers the main elements of a coherent growth strategy. It identifies the need for further work on some policy areas, and these should include employment law, infrastructure, local government and retirement income provision.

"More attention to institutional arrangements, such as the role of the Privy Council, improvements to the Fiscal Responsibility Act and consideration of a Regulatory Responsibility Act, would also be warranted.

"What is particularly pleasing about the paper is the high quality of its discussion of economic issues.

"National now needs to ensure that all its policies are consistent and to present its arguments publicly with energy and conviction. For example, a party committed to private enterprise should not need to be so coy about making the case for the government to get out of business activities.

"If National follows through, the stage should be set for a much more constructive public debate about the means of achieving the improvements in economic performance that we all want", Mr Kerr concluded.

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