Boo-Boo in Charge of Sustainable Development??

ACT Finance spokesman Rodney Hide said today that Minister Marian Hobbs in charge of sustainable development for the economy was the last thing business wants or needs.

"Helen Clark couldn't trust Marian Hobbs to manage even TVNZ. She completely botched that portfolio.

"Minister Hobbs is known affectionately by her staff and colleagues as Boo-Boo. The Prime Minister has now put her in charge of the Government's "Sustainable Development Programme of Action", whatever that is.

"By way of introduction Minister Hobbs tells us that she has returned from a World Jamboree at which she concluded, "we need to grow our economies so we can pay for improved health and education". I imagine all New Zealanders are pleased that Marian Hobbs has at least learnt that much while a Minister.

"Minister Hobbs explains that the "Sustainable Development Programme of Action" involves her "Getting-Around-the-Table" with "local government, iwi/Maori, business, NGOs, and communities" and "looking after people, taking the long-term view, taking account of the social, economic, environmental and cultural effects of our decisions, and encouraging participation and partnerships".

Marian Hobbs calls this "a different way of thinking and working".

"The best argument in favour of the plan is that it sounds good. The best argument against it is that it won't work.

"The best way to get sustainable development is to stop the likes of Boo-Boo sticking her government nose into private businesses, cut taxes and for government to focus on some key priorities where it can make a positive contribution such as fighting crime," Mr Hide said.

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