I'm a neoliberal and Jacinda is too

Jacinda Ardern's 'rejection' of neoliberalism is nonsense, says Jordan William, Executive Director for the Taxpayers' Union.

"On the official measures, inequality hasn't grown since New Zealand's 1980s neoliberal reforms came into effect. In fact, it was precisely the sort of neosocial government intervention Ms Ardern champions which saw inequality rise in the 1970s and early 80s."

"What has increased since the 1980s is post housing-cost income inequality. But that problem has been caused by the intervention of local government squeezing land supply and the RMA"

"To blame the costs of housing on neoliberalism is nonsense on stilts, and deep down Jacinda Ardern knows it."

"In July, I sent Ms Ardern a copy of an opinion piece suggesting that she too has many of the traits of a neoliberal. But one of the neoliberal traits Ms Arderns appears to lack is basing beliefs on empirics, not principles. Ms Ardern is letting her ideology and feelings on inequality trump evidence."

Jordan Williams' opinion piece, 'I'm A Neoliberal. Maybe You Are Too' was first published by the National Business Review and is available at: http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/op_ed_i_m_a_neoliberal_maybe_you_are_too

ENDS

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