Balanced Approach To Public-Private Partnerships Needed: Cunliffe
02 September 2002

"Renewed proposals for public private partnerships in infrastructure funding requires careful analysis by government," said New Lynn MP David Cunliffe.

Mr Cunliffe addressed an industry conference on Public-Private partnerships at the Carlton Hotel, Auckland, on 28 August.

The conference brought together a wide range of industry participants with local and central government representatives.

Mr Cunliffe's keynote speech acknowledged the potential for leveraging private financing and improving the management of risk in infrastructure projects.

"Government must carefully assess the social equity and long term value aspects of any proposals.

"Consumers must always, for example, have non-toll alternatives to any toll roads.

"The cost impact on the public should not be regressive - poorer New Zealanders must not be worse off.

"And in the case of any monopoly utility infrastructure, such as water, electricity, or telecommunications, an appropriate regulatory structure is essential to protect the public interest.

"A common sense approach must carefully balance the constraints and potential of PPP's," Mr Cunliffe said.

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