Kiwi voters are going to be offered clear election choices across a wide range of policies that matter. This is clear from Labour’s mini-Manifesto, released at the weekend Congress. As promised, Labour’s offerings are positive and forward-looking. Besides education, there are policies on work, economy, schools, children, jobs, homes, environment, democracy, health, living costs and budget – put the commitments together and it’s a recipe for positive change.
Over the next little while we will spell out the differences between positive 21st century Labour and old hat more-of-the-same 1960’s National. They haven’t noticed the world has changed.
In the meantime, here’s the conclusion from Rod Oram’s July 6 Sunday Star-Times column headed “Clear choices ahead.” (Not on-line)
when voters weigh up National and Labour’s claims on economic management, they will need to consider the big differences between them on fiscal policy, monetary policy and economic transformation.
On monetary policy, National is steadfast against change, while Labour is advocating significant change to resist pressure on interest rates and the dollar. With both those rising, perhaps voters will engage on the issues.
Likewise on economic transformation, falling prices for dairy, forestry and other commodities are challenging both parties to articulate credible strategies. For example, National’s goal of doubling exports by 2025 requires them tot grow by between 5.5 per cent and 7.5 per cent a year. But Treasury is forecasting annual growth of only 2.2 per cent over the next four years.
Thus, this is an election with very clear choices for voters about new Zealand’s economic future.
I’ll post the whole article when it appears on-line. It’s worth a read.
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