Businesses Get No Christmas Presents From Govt

Tuesday 18 Dec 2001 Stephen Franks Press Releases -- Governance & Constitution

ACT Commerce Spokesman Stephen Franks says the content of the Government response to Business Compliance Costs indicates exactly why the announcement was delayed until so close to Christmas.

"This announcement has been delayed and delayed. If it had been favourable they would not have risked it getting no attention in the frantic last week before the Christmas break.

"By dropping its announcement a week before Christmas when everybody's minds are on other matters the Government must have been hoping any negatives in the response won't get the attention they deserve.

"The Government's response is essentially like sending out a man with scissors to trim a hedge. The hedge is growing faster than the Government can trim.

"Good intentions are not enough. If you think you can regulate your way to wealth and happiness you will never keep up with the red tape - because you are actually the problem, not the cure.

"For example the panel recommended having independent commissioners making RMA decisions rather than councillors with a conflict of interest. The Government says only that good practice guidance will be provided on when the use of commissioners is appropriate, `if funding is available'.

"There is no serious commitment on the part of this Government to cutting compliance costs for business," Stephen Franks said.

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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