Growth plan a contribution to a critical debate

Growth plan a sound contribution to a critical debate

National's discussion paper Prosperity for all New Zealanders is a welcome addition to the debate on growth, says Business NZ.

Chief Executive Simon Carlaw says it presents another clear picture of the issues presently hampering sustainable growth.

"The analysis of the problems facing the NZ economy is sound and clearly there is more detail to come on effective solutions.

"There are fairly firm signals being given about reducing the tax burden and the size of government, investing in roads, and freeing up the unjustified dismissal rules that make it hard to increase employment. It's good to see the largest opposition party putting its line in the sand on these issues that are critical to growing jobs and real wages.

"The issues canvassed by National deserve intelligent debate, not political point-scoring. National's paper follows Business NZ's recent update* of our growth scorecard that clearly points to a 'must do better' effort, the Chamber of Commerce's package Achieving Faster Growth for NZ and last week's Knowledge Wave conference.

"The core messages from them all are consistent: we need action more than words and we need it now, not later. Closing the gap with Australia and the richest OECD countries is the only way to ensure New Zealanders have quality health and education services and can access good jobs here," Mr Carlaw said.

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