Talk not enough - Sound policies needed

Tuesday 24th Oct 2000 Rodney Hide Media Release -- Economy

ACT Finance spokesman Rodney Hide said today that Helen Clark’s “talkfest” with selected business leaders is a good first step but is not enough.

“We want jobs. We want growth. The only way to do that is with sound policies and hard work. Snake oil, talking for the sake of it, and twiddling about the margins of policy is not enough.

“The economy is close to recession. The dollar is at an all-time low. Business confidence has taken a pounding this year.

“There is no reason why New Zealand can’t succeed. But what we need is a business environment that is competitive. That means a business environment that is better than anywhere else in the developed world.

“The two keys are tax and red tape. They are what are costing us jobs and growth. The Government has made a disastrous start on these two fronts. It’s now up to the Government to make a positive difference.

“It’s good that Helen Clark and the rest of the Government are now listening to some business leaders – even if it is a selected few. But what is needed is action.

“The key thing that must come out of today’s forum is an action plan to get the costs of doing business in New Zealand down,” concluded Rodney Hide.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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