24 January 2006
Cullen: Key ignores facts again
Finance Minister Michael Cullen says opposition finance spokesman John Key's continuing failure to grasp economic
realities must be a cause of real concern to National.
"The high dollar is the unfortunate consequence of six years of consistent strong economic growth of the sort recent
National-led governments have failed to achieve," said Dr Cullen.
"This government has been a wise manager of the fiscal purse. Government spending hasn't risen as fast as the economy
has expanded in recent years.
"Mr Key is again revealing National's true agenda to slash government spending in health, education and welfare.
"He conveniently forgets that most expert commentators are only forecasting a modest economic slowdown this year and the
continuation of a strong labour market.
"The government is also working hard to help businesses improve their competitiveness," said Dr Cullen. "Budget 2005's
business tax changes and the current review of other corporate tax issues underline our efforts to create a pro-business
environment."
"John Key seems to have a very short memory. Just last month the World Bank rated New Zealand the easiest place of 155
countries to do business. Australia ranked sixth," concluded Dr Cullen.
ENDS