Katherine Rich National Party Economic Development Spokeswoman

6 March 2006

Dalziel must explain 'strange' competition law musings

National's Economic Development spokeswoman, Katherine Rich, says Small Business Minister Lianne Dalziel must explain her strange musings about varying competition law depending on business size, sector and even region.

Ms Dalziel made the comments at the Competition Law and Regulation Review Conference in Wellington last week.

Mrs Rich says having a different set of rules for some businesses than for others, and a different set again for businesses operating in different regions is "absolute madness".

"The Minister can't seriously believe that textile firms in Dunedin should operate under different rules than those in Hawke's Bay.

"This kind of regulation would bring about a level of government intervention and regulatory complexity not seen in New Zealand ever before.

"Only a person who has never run a business could think something so ridiculously impractical could work.

"Though I'm sure lawyers and officials at the Commerce Commission would revel in the extra work such regulatory change would create, it would not make one iota of difference to small business owners looking to expand.

"Despite her business-friendly rhetoric, Ms Dalziel quickly reverts to type when speaking off the cuff. It's clear that her solution to every problem is more regulation. If this is Labour's vision for business, we are all in a lot of trouble.

"The Minister would be better off focussing on ensuring there is good competition law for all business, rather than moving to increase red tape and greater complexity for certain sectors," says Mrs Rich.

ENDS

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