National's Deputy Finance spokesman John Key says
it is no surprise Labour has forsaken its pro-growth goal of
getting New Zealand back into the top half of the
OECD.
The Minister of Finance, Michael Cullen, told the
Finance and Expenditure Select Committee this morning that
achieving a high OECD ranking 'is not going to happen
quickly'.
Mr Key says despite endless assurances from the
Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance, the comment
shows Labour's true attitude to growth for what it is - just
rhetoric.
"The Budget clearly indicated that the 10-year
trend growth rate will decline from approximately 3.6% to a
disappointing 2.6%.
"Growth is the only way we will ensure
a better standard of living for all New
Zealanders."
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