New Zealand's loss is Australia's gain - again!

"Michael Cullen should be expecting more Kiwi businesses to follow the Electrolux lead and migrate across the Tasman, given Labour's anti-business agenda," says National Party Deputy Finance spokesman John Key.

"Why stay in New Zealand and endure the frosty climate, when you can pack up and move across the Tasman to receive a much warmer welcome?"

Mr Key is referring to the announcement that Electrolux Home Products in Christchurch is set to close and its 159 staff will lose their jobs.

It is expected to cost the city economy $10 million a year in lost wages and spending. Meanwhile, Electrolux is spending $20 million upgrading its Adelaide plant.

"All New Zealanders need to think about why investors are choosing Australia at our expense.

"We are paying a heavy price for Labour's failure to win a free trade deal with the US. We are also paying for the Government's rejection of lower corporate tax rates and its reluctance to fix the RMA so responsible businesses don't face unacceptable delays when looking to expand.

"Our economy is suffering from pro-union, anti-business changes to labour laws and our economy will continue to suffer because of the Government's ineffectual policies on infrastructure.

"National believes we should be trying to compete. We should be moving to match the Australian corporate tax rate and slowing the exodus of small and medium sized businesses. They are the engine room of our economy.

"We must also move to amend the RMA and bring our infrastructure up to a level that modern business expects," says Mr Key.

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