Government Should Own Economic Downturn
GDP figures out today show a shrinking economy and the general outlook is negative rather than positive.
“These figures confirm the diminishing confidence New Zealanders are feeling in this economy and their reluctance to invest energy, initiative and innovation, under a government that has been critical of capitalism,” says Leighton Baker, New Conservative Leader.
Analysing the record of this
government, multiple reasons for falling confidence can be
directly attributed to the current government.
• Pulling the pin on the West Coast Hydro
Electric scheme. This has removed the prospect of
work and income in one of New Zealand's areas struggling
with employment and business
opportunities.
• Changes to employment
law. Removing 90 day trial, increases to minimum
wage reducing opportunity for employing unskilled and entry
level positions or taking the risk of engaging new
staff.
• Announcing climate policies which
directly affect the viability of farmers at the
same time as they are in the midst of their busy spring
season. Uncertainty and fear, both reducing spending and
therefore deflating the rural
economy.
• Dithering over the CGT
which put the brakes on the construction
industry.
• Abject failure with Kiwibuild
again affecting construction.
• Rushed
firearms amendments which left 250,000 firearms
owners feeling ostracised by their own
government.
• Banning oil exploration,
although every tourist comes here burning fossil fuel,
therefore affecting Taranaki growth and potential growth in
other areas.
“New Zealand needs a government that is
prepared to make it easier to do business and rewards
initiative rather than criticise capitalism,” says Baker.
"The announcement regarding Aquaculture is encouraging, but
fails to address the constraints that exist through the RMA
and the Marine and Coastal Area Act."
New Conservative is committed to investing in New Zealand industries and supporting initiatives that will inject confidence and reduce controls that restrict free enterprise. Buying the 100 locomotives and 300 carriages for Tull through New Zealand suppliers would be a huge boost for local manufacturers.
Changing the environmental implementation model from adversarial to complementary would also allow farmers to feel that they are supported and encouraged in reducing pollution, rather than blamed and persecuted.
A
third straight All Black world cup win would definitely
boost the confidence and positivity in the nation. However,
handing the future of the nation to 34 sportsmen in Japan is
probably not the best strategy for a government with an
election in 12 months and a slowing
economy.