Budget 2013: Good, But More Is Needed
Budget 2013 maintains a steady course, but does not do nearly enough, ACT Leader John Banks said today.
"The first big negative is the mediocrity of the projected economic performance in 2014/15 and beyond,” Mr Banks said.
“After the Christchurch rebuild, real GDP growth is projected to slip down to 2.2 per cent for 2016/17. Treasury expects the unemployment rate to be still above five per cent by 2016/17 when the current account deficit in the balance of payments is projected to be 6.5 per cent of GDP.
"What is needed is much greater determination to free up the labour market and reduce the wasteful and unnecessary government spending that is sucking resources out of the industries that are trying to export and compete with imports.
"The second big negative is the failure to put New Zealand on a track to deal with the unsustainable welfare and health policies that are set to take a much greater proportion of GDP in the coming decades.
“Everyone knows that the age of eligibility for superannuation will have to be increased and many people understand that the funding burden will need to be further reduced, perhaps by indexing the benefit to the CPI rather than to wage inflation. In the health area there needs to be much more attention to securing the benefits of competitive supply, price discovery and competitive private insurance.
"Perhaps the biggest disappointment from an ACT perspective is the failure to put in place institutional changes that would make it harder for spendthrift governments to repeat the mistakes of the last Labour government.
“A regulatory responsibility act of the type recommended by the Regulatory Responsibility Taskforce is still needed to protect citizens from foolish, costly government regulations, and greater spending disciplines on government are still desirable.
"Making greater use of competition in ACC and more widely would make providers more cost conscious and promote price discovery.
“Finance Minister Bill English’s Budget represents an oasis of fiscal sanity in the face of Opposition parties whose primeval instinct is to spend, regulate, impose new taxes and print money.
“But if we want our young people to stay in New Zealand and achieve their potential, National needs to do more,” Mr Banks said.
ENDS
Partnership Schools/Kura Hourua: funding focuses on raising achievement
Budget 2013 will provide $19 million in contingency funding to establish the first Partnership Schools/Kura Hourua with a focus on accountability and high educational outcomes for New Zealand children.
The initiative will see a small number of schools established, with greater freedom and flexibility to innovate and engage their students in return for stronger accountability for delivering educational results, Associate Education Minister John Banks says.
The schools will have a particular focus on the Government’s priority groups of Māori, Pasifika, children from low socio-economic backgrounds, and children with special education needs.
“This is about raising educational achievement, in particular for those groups of students who have historically been under-served by the system,’’ Mr Banks says.
“We already have a number of different types of schools operating in New Zealand, such as Kura, faith-based schools, single-sex schools, and private schools.
“Partnership Schools are another option, giving parents and students more freedom to choose the type of education that best suits their learning needs.”
The Ministry of Education has received proposals from potential sponsors for Partnership Schools/Kura Hourua. The establishment of the schools is subject to the passage of the Education Amendment Bill 2012. The Bill sets out the legal framework for the schools.
This funding has been put in contingency and will be drawn down once the legislation passes and as decisions are made later in the year.
Fact File - Partnership Schools/Kura Hourua
- Partnership Schools/Kura Hourua are a new way of delivering public education which will bring together the education, business, and community sectors to provide new opportunities for students to achieve education success.
- Partnership Schools/Kura Hourua are fully-funded schools outside the state system, accountable to the Crown for raising achievement through a contract to deliver a range of specified school-level targets.
- The most fundamental difference between Partnership Schools/ Kura Hourua and state or state-integrated schools is that their relationship with the Ministry of Education will be contractual as well as regulatory.
- Partnership Schools/Kura Hourua will have more freedom over how they operate, so they can innovate to better meet the needs of their students, and achieve their targets. This includes greater flexibility over curriculum, staff qualifications, employment, hours of operation, and school leadership.
- Partnership Schools/Kura Hourua will be in areas where learners are currently underserved by existing education provision, and will be open to all students who apply for entry, regardless of background or ability.
- They will have no tuition fees.
Achievement and other performance expectations specified in the contract, and monitored through a combination of the Education Review Office and the specially appointed Authorisation Board, will use National Standards and other recognised measures set out in a performance measurement framework.
Labour’s Limit On Share Fund Size Intrudes On Shareholders’ Rights
ACT New Zealand will not support Labour MP Damien O’Connor’s Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill (No2), ACT New Zealand Primary Industries Spokesman Don Nicolson said today.
The Bill would limit the proportion of Fonterra co-operative shares that can be held in its shareholders fund to 20 per cent of Fonterra’s share total.
“Legislating tighter limits on the size of the fund is an unnecessary intrusion into the rights and interests of shareholders to determine the destiny of their own company,” Mr Nicolson said.
“Fonterra has sufficient constitutional safeguards and mechanisms for representation and communication to allow shareholders to determine the size of the fund. Shareholders are more than capable of doing this without interference from Government.
“ACT believes the Government’s regulatory involvement with Fonterra should be limited to ensuring that the supply and sale of milk and milk products within New Zealand are open to competition.
“Fonterra is the world’s largest exporter of dairy produce and New Zealand’s largest company. It competes in an ever-changing world and needs to be able to respond to changing circumstances and continue to evolve as a company for the benefit of its shareholders.
“Excessive and unnecessary government involvement will only hinder its ability to do this,” Mr Nicolson said.
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Competition gives businesses a flying start
Small Business Minister John Banks says SME owners looking to grow their business should enter the ANZ Flying Start Business Plan Competition run by Business.govt.nz.
The competition – now in its third consecutive year - seeks out the best business plans from businesses and start-ups across New Zealand with an annual turnover of less than $1 million. There is $80,000 worth of prizes up for grabs.
“The ANZ Flying Start Business Plan Competition run by Business.govt.nz has become a regular fixture in the business calendar, and for good reason,” says Mr Banks.
“Having a detailed, well-researched business plan is a real advantage. It helps sell your enterprise to others, but more importantly it helps you identify the risks and opportunities ahead so you can make the best decisions for your business.
“We are a nation of small business owners in which 97 per cent of all enterprises employ less than 20 people, so competitions like this and online resources like Business.govt.nz are incredibly valuable.
“They encourage and support Kiwi entrepreneurs to keep delivering the kind of innovative new businesses that keeps New Zealand at the cutting edge.”
The supreme award winner will receive $58,000 worth of prizes. This includes:
- $30,000 cash from ANZ for approved growth opportunities
- $10,000 of consulting and development services from The Marketing Bureau
- $5,000 of business education or management training from Stellaris
- $5,000 of advertising/editorial in NZBusiness Magazine
- $5,000 of legal advice from Lane Neave Lawyers
- $3,800 for a virtual office package from Servcorp
The second and third prize winners each receive $5,000 in cash from ANZ.
The 14 regional winners each receive $1,000 cash from Ernst & Young, MYOB, OpenHost and Servcorp.
Mr Banks says interested SME owners should check out the competition and sample the online tools, calculators and resources at www.business.govt.nz.
The team at Business.govt.nz and ANZ will also be on hand to answer any questions about business planning or the competition through the ANZ Flying Start Competition group on LinkedIn.
Entries into the third annual ANZ Flying Start Business Plan Competition can be placed at www.business.govt.nz/business-plan-competition
ACT Calls For Urgent Inquiry Into ZESPRI Allegations
ACT New Zealand Primary Industries Spokesman Don Nicolson called for an urgent inquiry into monopoly kiwifruit exporter ZESPRI International’s operations after allegations of dodgy business practices were exposed on TVNZ’s ‘One News’ last night.
It is alleged that ZESPRI had full knowledge of the actions of their importer in China and was complicit in their actions to defraud the Chinese Government by under declaring the Customs invoices and therefore under paying the correct duties.
“These are serious allegations and kiwifruit growers have the right to know the truth since they are being forced by the Government to sell their products through this company,” Mr Nicolson said.
“An independent inquiry is the only way to get a full and accurate picture.
"ACT recently questioned the Government’s continued support of ZESPRI International’s legislated and privileged status which prevents growers who value competition and freedom from exporting to destinations and customers of their choice. ACT believes ‘less is best’ when it comes to government involvement in business and in the lives of citizens. It should be a kiwifruit grower’s right to make to make their own export decisions.
“Last night’s revelations raise serious questions about ZESPRI’s operations and whether the government’s continued support of its monopoly status is really in the best interest of growers.
“ACT will be writing to the Minister of Primary Industries to push for an inquiry,” Mr Nicolson said.
TVNZ: Zespri accused of ‘hoodwinking’ Chinese Govt
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/zespri-accused-hoodwinking-chinese-govt-video-5435811
Straight Furrow: ‘Zespri’s jailed ‘scapegoat’ appeals ruling http://straightfurrow.realviewtechnologies.com/?label=Digital+Edition#folio=1
ACT: More Questions Raised About Zespri’s operations
http://www.act.org.nz/posts/more-questions-raised-about-zespris-operations
Banks backs convention centre for Auckland
The Sky City Convention Centre proposal is a good deal for taxpayers and Auckland ratepayers and has my support, ACT Leader John Banks said today.
“Auckland is an international city and needs a world class convention venue. But running a convention centre is an economically tough and risky business,” Mr Banks said.
“Globally, taxpayer or ratepayer-owned convention centres often run at a substantial loss and attract on-going subsidies.
“It is essential that any convention centre proposal is taken forward by a seasoned operator that can compete in the highly competitive entertainment industry.
"It is also important that it is the operator that carries the risk, and not the taxpayer or Auckland ratepayer. The Sky City proposal satisfies both those requirements.
"I also support this deal because it does more to protect the few gamblers who cannot control their behaviour. I acknowledge there is only so much that can be done to protect people from themselves. In the end it’s up to individuals to take personal reasonability for their actions. However, the proposal introduces systems to allow data to be analysed for problem gamblers and ups the host responsibility monitoring to 24/7.
"I am satisfied that the regulatory concessions in the Convention Centre proposal are both necessary and reasonable in the circumstances. I will be supporting any necessary legislation," Mr Banks said.
ENDS
Ellie Bishop Chosen As The Epsom Youth MP
ACT Leader and MP for Epsom, John Banks, today announced Ellie Bishop as his Epsom Youth MP for the 2013 Youth Parliament.
Ellie, 17, is a student at Epsom Girls Grammar. Mr Banks says he chose Ellie for her get-up-and -go attitude and drive to succeed.
“Ellie is active in her school community. She is a member of the school advanced debating team, is heavily involved with the UN Youth organisation and is a member of several school committees, including committees on humanitarian assistance, child cancer and sustainability.
“While juggling her own studies and commitments, Ellie still finds the time to help other students in her role as deputy tutor captain. She tutors English, classics, social studies and business studies. Ellie also holds two part-time jobs.
“I was very impressed with Ellie’s ability to manage so many commitments with such success. I look forward to seeing Ellie represent Epsom in the 2013 Youth Parliament. I know she will make her school and community proud,” Mr Banks said.
Ellie says she applied to become a youth MP because it is a wonderful opportunity to become actively involved and to understand more about the workings of Parliament.
“I have a passion for politics and after I finish studying politics and law at university, my dream career would be to work at the United Nations.
“It is an honour to represent Epsom in the 2013 Youth Parliament and I look forward to improving my skills, learning new things and meeting new people.”
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ACT Pays Tribute To Parekura Horomia
ACT Leader John Banks today said he was shocked to learn of Parekura Horomia’s death.
“At 62, Parekura Horomia was still a relatively young man and while his health struggles have not been a secret, his death has still come as a surprise,” Mr Banks said.
“His passing is a significant loss to Maoridom, the Labour Party and the Parliament.
“On behalf of the ACT Party, I offer my condolences to his whanau and friends at this time,” Mr Banks said.
ENDS
ACT’s Three Strikes Legislation Working Exactly As Intended
ACT Party President John Boscawen says ACT’s Three Strikes legislation is working exactly as intended and he is pleased that Justice Minister Judith Collins agrees.
“Elijah Whaanga - who has received a second strike and a final warning for two aggravated robberies - is a violent young man, and just the kind of offender the law was intended to target,” Mr Boscawen said.
“His first strike was also for an aggravated robbery. He hit the victim over the head numerous times and stole $68. I don’t care if it was $68, $680 or 68 cents - the issue is not what he took, but the violence of the assault.
“Mr Whaanga is in the habit of using violence to steal other people’s property. If he does that again, having received a final warning in the clearest terms from Judge Adeane, then jail is the right place for him.
“Critics say he needs treatment. Well, he will get a chance to address his problems while he is jail for the next two and a half years, serving his second strike sentence without parole. I sincerely hope he does address his problems and becomes a productive citizen on his release.
“Neither I nor my ACT colleagues past and present want to see people waste their lives in jail. But this man, like everyone else, has a choice to make. I hope for his sake he makes the right one. If he doesn’t, jail for a long time is where he belongs, and ACT’s ‘three strikes’ law will send him there” Boscawen said.
ENDS
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/8605255/Anger-at-14-year-strike-2-warning
ACT’s Three Strikes Legislation Working Exactly As Intended
ACT Party President John Boscawen says ACT’s Three Strikes legislation is working exactly as intended and he is pleased that Justice Minister Judith Collins agrees.
“Elijah Whaanga - who has received a second strike and a final warning for two aggravated robberies - is a violent young man, and just the kind of offender the law was intended to target,” Mr Boscawen said.
“His first strike was also for an aggravated robbery. He hit the victim over the head numerous times and stole $68. I don’t care if it was $68, $680 or 68 cents - the issue is not what he took, but the violence of the assault.
“Mr Whaanga is in the habit of using violence to steal other people’s property. If he does that again, having received a final warning in the clearest terms from Judge Adeane, then jail is the right place for him.
“Critics say he needs treatment. Well, he will get a chance to address his problems while he is jail for the next two and a half years, serving his second strike sentence without parole. I sincerely hope he does address his problems and becomes a productive citizen on his release.
“Neither I nor my ACT colleagues past and present want to see people waste their lives in jail. But this man, like everyone else, has a choice to make. I hope for his sake he makes the right one. If he doesn’t, jail for a long time is where he belongs, and ACT’s ‘three strikes’ law will send him there” Boscawen said.
ENDS
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/8605255/Anger-at-14-year-strike-2-warning
