John Key MP
National Party Leader

26 March 2008

Aust audience hears message of optimism

National Party Leader John Key has told a business audience in Sydney that he is optimistic New Zealand is well positioned over the next 20 years to benefit from its position with Australia as a gateway to Asia.

Mr Key spoke to the CEO Forum in Sydney today.

"An incoming National Government will tackle the issue of productivity growth and work on narrowing the wage gap between New Zealand and Australian workers," says Mr Key.

"We want to lift after-tax incomes in New Zealand and narrow the wage gap, which has been steadily increasing over the past decade.

"We will resolutely tackle areas that have hampered productivity growth like personal tax reform, the Resource Management Act, business and compliance costs, substantial infrastructure investment including the introduction of public private partnerships, national standards in education, and a commitment to improving the connectivity of the country through greater broadband penetration.

"National will also be heavily engaged in developing an emissions trading system, and ensuring our policies properly balance our environment responsibilities with our economic opportunities."

Mr Key also used the speech to emphasise the importance of the relationship with Australia, reaffirming that Australia remains the most important relationship New Zealand has in the world.

"An incoming National government will be committed to maintaining and developing that already-strong relationship."

Mr Key is in Australia today and tomorrow for a series of meetings and speeches to the CEO Forum, one in Sydney and one in Melbourne. Tomorrow he will meet the Minister for Trade, Simon Crean, in Melbourne.

ENDS

© Scoop Media