National Rolling Up It's Sleeves
Last month I outlined National’s action plan detailing what it would do in its first 100 days of government.
The comprehensive plan, released by John Key before the election, was a pledge to New Zealanders that immediate action would be taken by a National Government on the economy, law and order, education, and health.
And it has delivered. The National Government has demonstrated that it is not afraid to roll up its sleeves, break a sweat and get stuck into the hard work.
The achievements the Government made before Christmas are numerous. They include the passage of National’s tax package into law ensuring extra money in New Zealanders pockets from 1 April 2009; this will encourage spending and boost the rural economy. The Government also introduced a transitional relief package (ReStart) to help New Zealanders caught out by the economic conditions. ReStart will provide short-term help for up to 16 weeks to low and moderate income families with children and to people with high housing costs who have lost their jobs through redundancy. There were also changes to KiwiSaver making it more affordable for members, employers and taxpayers
The National Government also made positive changes in the workplace. From April 2009 trial employment periods for up to 90 days for workplaces with fewer than 20 employees will be available. By lowering the legal risks employers face, they will be more confident in giving people the opportunity to prove themselves.
In education, the Government passed the Education (National Standards) Amendment Act which gives the Minister of Education the power to set national standards in literacy and numeracy.
National has also delivered on its promise to those affected by breast cancer with the full, 12-month herceptin drug programme now available. It is expected that over 300 women a year will benefit from this initiative.
Other changes and initiatives included funding an additional 25 GP trainee places in 2009, with a further 25 places funded by 2010; changes to the Bail Act which will make it harder to get bail; more space allocated for aquaculture in Tasman and Golden Bays; the Climate Change Select Committee was established to have a fresh look at the Emissions Trading Scheme and related policies; and the repeal of the obligation placed on oil companies to sell a certain proportion of biofuel.
A big focus for me has been the appointment of the RMA Technical Advisory Group to support the Government's programme of reform of the Resource Management Act. The advisory group will be chaired by barrister Alan Dormer and includes environmental consultant Guy Salmon, Rodney Mayor Penny Webster, barrister Paul Majuery, Tasman District Council Environment and Planning Manager Dennis Bush-King, barrister Michael Holm, planning consultant Michael Foster, and businessman and former Deputy Prime Minister Rt Hon Wyatt Creech. I am very confident that this group will provide the groundwork for the changes necessary to make the RMA a more effective piece of legislation. Farmer’s concerns will be closely considered and their desire for a more workable and pragmatic system will be heeded. The Government will introduce the Bill by 19 February this year.
The Government is only part way through the 100-day plan and much has already been achieved. It is an ambitious and positive plan for New Zealand at a time when ambition, positive thinking and trust is needed to lift the country out of tough economic times.
New Zealanders can be confident the new government is ready and prepared to manage both the economic challenges we have inherited and those that lie ahead.
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