30 July 2001 Media Advisory

Media advisory - "Inclusive Economy" launch

Finance Minister Michael Cullen will tomorrow release Towards an Inclusive Economy - a high level analysis prepared by the Treasury to guide government policy-making.

The report examines the relationship between a productive economy and a society with good levels of participation, connection and cohesion and their combined impact on people's well-being.

It then looks at the broad implications of these linkages for policy choices. It does not make specific policy recommendations.

The paper was developed in consultation with a number of government departments and other interested parties. In addition the Treasury commissioned a formal peer review, also to be released tomorrow, from Dr Michael Woolcock, a social scientist and lecturer at Harvard University, and Co-Chair of the World Bank's Social Capital Thematic Group.

Towards an Inclusive Economy is part of a broader programme of work involving other departments. Social Services and Employment Minister Steve Maharey will soon make public a paper by the Ministry of Social Policy on The Social Development Approach. Also due for imminent release is a paper led by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet on The New Zealand Sustainable Development Strategy.

Details of the release.

Copies of Towards and Inclusive Economy and Dr Woolcock's peer review
will be circulated around the press gallery at 9.30am tomorrow and will be available also from the 13th floor reception at the Treasury, No. 1 The Terrace.

The documents will be embargoed to 3pm and will appear on the Treasury website at that time: www.treasury.govt.nz. Also on the web are two companion pieces: Human Capital and the Inclusive Economy and Geography and the Inclusive Economy: A Regional Perspective.

At 2.15pm, the Treasury will hold a technical presentation for journalists introduced by the Secretary to the Treasury, Alan Bollard, on the 13th floor of the Treasury.

Dr Cullen will hold a quick press conference in his office - 7.4 The Beehive - from 3.15 to 3.30pm.

ENDS

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