Left in disarray over economy   27 Jul 2014

There is more evidence today that the Labour-Greens coalition are in complete disarray over economic policy, Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce says.

“The Greens strident policy against oil exploration released today is the exact opposite to where David Shearer is trying to take the Labour Party in his attempt to show Labour isn’t completely anti-growth,” Mr Joyce says.

“As late as last Thursday, Mr Shearer said in New Plymouth that Labour supported deep sea oil drilling, while today the Greens are saying they are dead against it. Once again the public will be asking ‘well which is it?’.

“Surely the least this supposed potential coalition could do is come up with some joint policy positions.”

Mr Joyce says the Greens’ cartoon-like approach to economic policy is that everything that uses anything in the resource-based sectors is bad.

“They are anti-oil, anti-dairy and anti-irrigation. On top of that they are also against free trade and against the Government’s roading programme which is crucial to connecting regional New Zealand,” Mr Joyce says.

“Meanwhile the Labour Party approach could most generously be described as ambiguous. Whether it’s roading, oil and gas, irrigation, or trade, one minute they are in favour and next minute they are against.

“What we know is that a weak Labour Party wouldn’t be standing up to the Greens and Hone Harawira on any of this.

“The combination would be very negative for New Zealand and especially negative for regional economies.”

Mr Joyce says the Government has a clear and balanced approach that favours jobs and growth while enhancing environmental protection.

“Today has shown once again that with the Left you really don’t know what you would get. It would be a recipe for total confusion and economic stagnation,” Mr Joyce says.

Ends

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