Key Notes: Building a stronger economy

18 November 2011

BUILDING A STRONGER ECONOMY

At the start of this week, I set out National's building blocks for a stronger economy. A stronger economy is important because it's the only way we can create more jobs and higher incomes for families.

The 120-point economic development action plan I launched works with our plan to get back to surplus within three years and to start paying down debt. You can read the plan here.

Check out all the policies National has announced so far as part of our plan to build a brighter future for Kiwi families: www.national.org.nz/policy.aspx.

TACKLING WELFARE FRAUD

I announced on Tuesday that National will put more resources into helping those at risk of long-term welfare dependency find work and improve their lives. We'll also take a stronger, more proactive stance against those who abuse and defraud the social welfare system.

Click here to read our welfare obligations policy.

BOOSTING TRADE

National's trade policy, which I launched on Wednesday, is about building our exports in key markets. It includes our commitment to lead at least 28 high-quality trade missions to Asia over the next three years. Boosting trade is part of our plan to build a stronger economy and create more jobs.

Click here to read National's trade policy.

BETTER, SOONER, MORE CONVENIENT HEALTHCARE

Yesterday I announced the second stage of National's health policy. It's part of our plan to get better results from the public services New Zealand families rely on. Below I've outlined some of our next steps.

We'll make sure that by the end of 2014, 95 per cent of eight-month-olds are fully immunised with three scheduled vaccinations. We'll also roll out a $12 million nation-wide rheumatic fever programme, which will target communities vulnerable to the disease. Read more in our preventive care policy.

Under our primary care policy, we'll bring together hospital and community health services to improve patient care. We're extending free GP care for children under the age of six to include after-hours care. We'll also grow the number of Integrated Family Health Centres. Read more in our primary care policy.

National will make sure expectant parents continue to get access to quality maternity services, such as GP or WellChild visits. Read more in our maternity and child health policy.

We'll also build on the Government's decision to invest $33 million to expand specialist mental health services for young offenders and develop the youth mental health project I set up. Our mental health and disability services policies focus on providing people with disabilities and mental illness with the best access to services and tools they need most. Read our mental health policy and our disabilities policy.

BUILDING BETTER PUBLIC SERVICES

Today I announced National will continue to focus on getting better results from public services for New Zealand families. We will continue to modernise the way public services are delivered and find back-office savings to put into better frontline services.

Click here to read National's public services policy.

BUILDING THE VALUE OF INTERNATIONAL VISITORS

Today in Queenstown I announced National's tourism policy. National is committed to tourism playing a strong role in the growth of the New Zealand economy. Our focus will be on attracting more high-quality international visitors and encouraging them to spend more money while in our country.

Click here to read National's tourism policy.

ROLLING OUT ULTRA-FAST BROADBAND

National's broadband policy will see average connection speeds of up to 100 Mbps to urban areas and vastly improve services and connection speeds in rural areas. On Sunday I met Chorus management and technicians who are about to start the roll-out of ultra-fast broadband to Napier and Hastings. Ultra-fast broadband will provide a real boost to Hawke's Bay schools and the economy.

Click here to read our broadband and communications policy.

SUPPORT NATIONAL'S CAMPAIGN

I'm working hard to make sure New Zealanders know they can have a brighter future if they give their party vote to National on 26 November. The National Party relies on the generosity of members and supporters to fund our election campaign. You can help us run a strong campaign for a brighter future by making a donation now. Thank you for your support.

Click here to support National's campaign.

Best wishes,

John Key
Prime Minister

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ENDS

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