8. Hon DAVID PARKER (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Finance
Has he received any reports on his statement in Budget 2010 which forecast the growth in non-residential business investment to be 6.2 percent for 2011, increasing to 10.3 percent in 2012, and does he think these forecasts are important components of his Government’s plan to close the wage gap in Australia?
Hon BILL ENGLISHIs the forecast 6.2 percent increase in non-residential business investment by next year a milestone upon which his Government is willing to be held accountable in respect of its election promise to close the wage gap with Australia?
If by June next year his Government has not even restored the wage gap between New Zealand and Australia to what it was when National took office, will he accept that his Government has failed in its election promise to close the wage gap with Australia?
Rt Hon John KeyWhy does the National Party economic policy document dated 1 August 2010 make no reference to closing the wage gap with Australia, and why has it dropped any reference to the promise of a step change in the New Zealand economy, which was in the February 2010 version?
The document that the member is referring to sets out in detail the Government’s plan for lifting economic growth. We are proceeding with that plan, despite two major difficulties. The first is the damage done to this economy by the previous Government, and the second is the world economy, which is patchy in its recovery.
I seek leave to table a February document, entitled The Economy: Our 2010 Priorities; a National Government document that included a step change in the economy, more mining, and a financial services hub.
Mr SPEAKERI seek leave to table the 1 August 2010 equivalent, which has no reference to closing the wage gap, or a step change, or a financial services hub.