Feds Manifesto- ACT says business as usual is not ok
“A cursory read of Federated Farmers 2014 election manifesto shows their key policy aspiration was nothing much new, but
perhaps that’s to be expected from an apolitical lobby group, not a political party ” ACT primary industry spokesman and
former Federated Farmers president Don Nicolson says
"But having had the experience and time for reflection I respectfully suggest to Dr Rolleston and his team that their
kite needs to fly much higher, their boat pushed out much further if the primary sector is to better hold maximum reward
from their effort. The labour unions are much more overt about their demands of the Labour Party and so the primary
sector needs to stand taller and be much more bolshie too.
For instance ACT is more ambitious about tax reform than the Federation who should really be supportive of a much lower
company and personal tax rates than they are. ACT knows that much lower taxes will leave money in the hands of producers
where it rightfully belongs so that those same producers can reinvest, employ and gain reward without the wasteful
filtering and dead weight loss through government.
And for instance the Federation should have realised that after 23 years it is clear the RMA is really broken and needs
repealed so we can get back to common law disciplines in terms of standing, definitions of harm and awarding of costs
and remedy. Furthermore the RMA being the handbrake it is on land supply for urban housing development it could be
argued that the RMA is actually having an effect on currency and interest rates.
But the Federation is right to advance the need to promote more investment in sciences rather than arts, humanities or
sport. Signals that show where the best reward is gained for furthering ones qualification are overdue.
ACT acknowledges the Federation agrees with our rural security policy whereby any stock rustler caught will have their
property used in the theft confiscated. We would hope they would agree with our three burglary convictions and you’re in
jail too.
“From ACT’s point of view the Federations manifesto gets D with a footnote it could do better and be much more demanding
for the rights and aspirations of producers. It’s pretty clear that a smarter and more progressive country starts with
lower taxes, less of a nanny state and more personal responsibility” Don Nicolson concluded
ends