INDEPENDENT NEWS

The first 100 days of the new Government

Published: Tue 14 Mar 2000 03:41 PM
Towards a stronger economy and fairer society: the first 100 days of the new government
Prime Minister Helen Clark and Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton said today that the Labour-Alliance Government had made a good start on its plans to create a stronger economy and a fairer society during its first 100 days in office.
"The change of direction for New Zealanders since December has enabled the country to start shake off the malaise and despair that had developed under National governments through the nineties," Helen Clark and Jim Anderton said.
"Our older citizens, our students and those on low incomes are among those who have already gained.
"But we are also moving to boost the level of economic development, to close the gaps between Maori and Pacific people, and other New Zealanders, to make the public service more responsive and fiscally responsible, to reduce disparities in our health system and to help the arts and cultural sector flourish.
"Today we are presenting a report setting out the important milestones we have already reached during what has been an energetic start for the new government.
"In the months ahead we will continue to take the country forward.
"The legislation to rebuild the ACC scheme will be passed, labour laws will be overhauled to ensure a fairer balance of power in the workplace and housing for low-income New Zealanders will be made affordable, as we lead an economic and social revival.
"New Zealanders have responded positively because the new government promised change and is delivering it. We are simply doing what we said we would do.
"We have been heartened by the messages and expressions of goodwill for the new government and the direction it is taking.
"We will continue to govern in the interests of all New Zealanders as we work towards creating a stronger economy and a fairer society," Helen Clark and Jim Anderton said.
Contact: Mike Munro 471 9327, John Pagani 471 9172
Milestones reached so far …
ACC
Legislation to restore an effective and efficient single public fund for ACC in its final stages in Parliament
Communications
Established telecommunications inquiry to examine state of competition in the sector
Compulsory education
Eligibility for supplementary grants extended to all school principals, not just those on individual contracts
Signalled there will be extra funding for non-bulk funded schools
Conservation
Passed Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Bill, setting up new marine park
Honoured pledge to stop Timberlands' beech scheme proceeding
Consumer Affairs
Launched the "Power Line" free phone for consumer feedback on National's botched electricity reforms
Defence
Close to making decisions on future of F16 fighter aircraft deal, as promised
Economy
Released Budget Policy Statement pointing to continuing surpluses and improved social spending
Announced the establishment of the Ministry of Economic Development and Industry New Zealand
Energy
Established inquiry into functioning of electricity sector
Environment
Well down the track on establishing the Royal Commission of Inquiry into genetically modified organisms
Health
Moving to disestablish Health Funding Authority and to establish district health boards
Reinstated 24-hour Plunketline
Housing
Plans to restore income-related rents well advanced
Stopped the sale of state houses
Justice
Cancelled expensive Incis inquiry in favour of a smaller ministerial inquiry
Labour
Increased the minimum wage
Introduction this week of Employment Relations Bill, aimed at a fairer balance of power in the workplace
Local Government
Held central and local government forum to chart new ways of working together
Maori Affairs
Established Cabinet committee on closing the gaps and took steps to ensure that government spending on programmes for Maori is effective
Pacific Island Affairs
Closing the gaps committee as above
Police
Axed destructive police review
Revenue/Tax
Passed legislation to change top tax rate
Skills development
Broad policy development completed on the Modern Apprenticeship Programme (MAP), with announcement due this month
Career Services 0800 line launched
State Owned Enterprises
Stopped the sale of the Waikaremoana Power Scheme
New chairperson appointed to board of TVNZ
Stable Government
Introduced a new anti-defection bill to ensure that MPs leave Parliament if they leave their party
Superannuation
Reverse National's cuts to New Zealand Superannuation
Tertiary Education
Reduced the costs to tertiary education for students by ensuring that full time students and part time students on low incomes pay no interest on loans while studying
Froze the student loan interest rate while the scheme is reviewed
Slashed fees for dentistry students at Otago
Transport
Abandoned previous government's plans to corporatise roads
Secured air services agreements with the Cook Islands and Tonga
WINZ
Refocussed WINZ as a more client-oriented public service organisation

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