Party Leaders
Rod Donald, Greens
No 1 priority is to stop free trade. Encourage people to buy NZ made. Raise minimum wage to $12/hr – will protect against competition from low wage economies.
Great question from audience on how can you expect anyone to allow us to export to them, if we block their imports. Donald said the balance of payments could be used as justification for an across the board tariff.
Peter Dunne, United Future
Family is core of society. Most businesses are small family businesses and they will deliver wealth so we can deliver social policy objectives. Crushed by too much regulation. Favour trade deals. Must grow cake, not restrict us to our boundaries. Green Govt would lead to lower dollar – overnight 🙂
United Future has contributed to stable government which has been good for growth.
In response to questions he said could consider keeping on party hopping law. Said biggest party gets first chance to negotiate but not guarantee they will go with them. Is becoming apparent policy not far off NZ First – will not give any indication of Labour over National.
Jim Anderton, Progressive
Only party which is promoting economic growth. Not supporting tariffs. Announced 1000 scholarships worth $12,000 a year.
In question to exchange rate volatility, said best politicians do not interfere (clap clap).
Rodney Hide, ACT
Vision is a free and prosperous NZ. You need to be free to prosper. Goal is to bake a bigger cake, not reslice it up. Business owners are retiring early due to hassle from Government. Govt should concentrate on core tasks. Support free market and free prices. Private property and contractual rights import. Could marry and divorce the guy next door in a civil union easier than I could hire and fire him [huge applause]. Supports civil unions but also supports rights for two parties to contract without government interference.
Heh someone got up and said I live in Epsom, so what should I do. Sean Plunkett said “Hope you don’t live next door to Rodney” in reference to marrying guy next door quip.
Don Brash, National
Was a DVD as he had a last minute clash. Sean Plunkett quipped at least easy to cut him off if he goes over time – just switch the DVD off 🙂
Gap with Australia has gone from $5K to $9K so 600 a week going to Australia. Productivity has improved, but not enough. Tax cuts are important but also need better infrastructure such as roads. Need more energy infrastructure and reduce business compliance costs such as OSH, ACC, HASNO, RMA.
Wananaga got eight times more funding than all apprentices combined. Of Labour’s seven pledges, only one is at all related to increasing economic growth.
Heh Rodney offered to answer questions on behalf of Don.