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Bill English’s eyes are off the ball
Hon David Cunliffe
Finance spokesperson
18 February 2009 Media Statement
Bill English’s eyes are off the ball
Bill English’s admission that he’s not receiving regular updates on the worsening state of the economy should be a concern to all New Zealanders, Labour Finance spokesperson David Cunliffe said today.
The Finance Minister this morning told members of Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Select Committee that he was not getting weekly Treasury updates which is standard practice in Government.
“How can Mr English keep on top of what is the world’s worst global storm in a generation if he’s not getting weekly forecasts from Treasury on how international factors will impact on the New Zealand economy?” David Cunliffe said.
“Despite the FEC requesting an update in advance of today’s hearing, the Finance Minister told FEC his last update from officials was in mid-December. And if Bill English hasn’t noticed, the situation has got a lot worse since then.
“How will Bill English put together a plan of attack for the current crisis, when the information he is using out of date? Or is the Finance Minister deliberately choosing to withhold information?
“At a time when New Zealand needs strong economic leadership, Bill English’s eyes are off the ball.
The Finance Minister also acknowledged this morning that New Zealand entered these troubled times with very low levels of unemployment, Government debt and a strong fiscal position.
“National’s spin that it was handed an economy in crisis has been blown out of the water by Bill English’s admission,” David Cunliffe said.
“Let’s put the record straight. National has inherited an economy in better shape than many others around the world with low government debt and low unemployment.
“The Government has an opportunity to guide New Zealand through these very challenging times but the right decisions need to be made now.
“New Zealanders are concerned about the future of their jobs and are looking to the Government for a plan. It’s time John Key and his Finance Minister offered them one,” David Cunliffe said.
ENDS
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