by John
There is every reason to believe this is a CON government. We are being conned on so many fronts it’s ridiculous. In all major policy areas, the pictures are quite different from the ones painted by the ministers.
FINANCE
Grant Robertson would have us believe that we are doing better than any other Western economy. Donald Trump might have something to say about that! They promised no new taxes in their first term and yet so far that’s been their only notable achievement. Their big promised tax, the CGT, went nowhere thanks to opposition from Winston Peters. The closest Robertson has come to having anything to do with money was managing a $7.7 million dollar fund while working for MFAT. It is hardly a ringing endorsement for the Finance role but it probably makes him the most qualified.
WELFARE
Carmel Sepuloni has succeeded in creating a slush fund for Shane’s nephews on the couch among others. Now you don’t have to work. It’s optional. The catch cry appears to be – need money, we’ve got it. If you get pregnant and are not sure who the father is, don’t worry, it’s none of our business. But we can provide the necessaries courtesy of the taxpayers. Carmel would have us believe increases in welfare numbers are all to do with a population increase. What a joke. Her work experience before becoming a politician was as a teacher. Her only previous involvement with welfare I understand, was through her mother.
EDUCATION
A free first year tertiary education policy aimed at the likes of those in South Auckland turned out to be another joke, enjoyed by none other than the likes of the residents of Remuera, who now don’t have to pay. A more intelligent government would have made the third year free as an incentive to complete the first two. Labour’s vision believes education gives our young people the freedom and opportunities to be the best they can be. Not unexpectedly, and completely contrary to their vision statement, they closed Charter schools. It was a decision driven purely by ideology and at the behest of their Union masters. Chris Hipkins no doubt qualifies for the job of Minister as he holds a National Certificate in Adult Education and Training.
HEALTH
A number of DHBs in crisis. Staff in crisis. Hospitals in crisis. Ian Powell, of the senior doctors’ union, unleashed a scathing attack on the Minister of Heath, calling his political leadership fiscally irresponsible and without vision. He described the leadership of the minister as rambling, confused or nonsensical. I can’t do better than that. Unlike his National counterpart, Michael Woodhouse, Dr Clark has no experience in the Health sector.
HOUSING
Biggest shambles of the lot. Who remembers Play School? Here’s a house.
Here’s a door. Windows, one two three four. Ready to knock. Turn the lock. KIWIBUILD! No Play School but there’s not a lot of difference. The government only has itself to blame for interfering where it’s not wanted. Its job is to build state houses. They criticised National for selling state houses but conveniently forgot to add that this was done so as to get more housing on the same piece of land.
With respect to Phil Twyford, I can’t find anything related to his previous occupations, not even his known connection to Oxfam. Megan Woods has worked as a Business Manager in the private sector, a novelty in this government, and holds a PhD in New Zealand History. Good luck to her with Judith. She might need a PhD in anger management.
TRANSPORT
For the cities, Labour’s plan is an emphasis on public transport, walking and cycling. For Auckland this spells DISASTER. In many instances, a car is the only option. Work, shopping, kids’ sport, family get-togethers, kids’ parties, school; these and many other day to day activities require a car. To think otherwise is head in the sand stuff.
Ardern and Twyford were on TV recently saying the roads National wanted to build had low accident rates, hence their reluctance to proceed. How divorced from reality are they? It’s not about accidents, it’s about relieving congestion. Associate Minister of Transport Julie Anne Genter is recognised within the Transportation Industry as an expert on parking policy and the economic and transport effects thereof. It’s not stationary vehicles in parking places that are the problem, it’s stationary vehicles on the motorway. Parking herself with the Green party could certainly have serious economic and transport effects. She is totally ideologically driven.
These are half a dozen of the major portfolio areas which highlight how lightweight the personnel in Labour are. From these stem the problems that we see day after day with this incompetent government led by a woman, who we are told is still leaning on her training wheels.
A CON Government. A COalition of No-hopers.