22-Feb-2010 15:25
Step change seems to be the buzz phrase at the moment, in reference to either the sharp change in momentum that is required to rejuvenate the New Zealand economy, or the conceptual barrier to this change that our conservative government is unable to conquer. While the political atmosphere is spinning with excuses in the wake of John Key's speech summarising his vision of change, the overwhelming evidence to date is that the government lacks the imagination or the political will to lead us out of the quagmire that we have been in for quarter of a century. They should begin by admitting what they have done wrong for the last 25 years.
Start by acknowledging that the free market ideology of Roger Douglas and the spoiled brats of the 4th Labour Government has been a total failure. Trickle-down, or whatever the latest slogan for indulging the status-quo is, simply does not work. No more than indulging any particular sector of the community does, whether it is those on welfare, farmers, or private enterprise.
As we are so fond of saying, usually when there is debate on the latest Treaty of Waitangi claim – we are all Kiwis.So why can't we all be treated as if we are part of the same economic body when the government is making considerations about policy? Instead of whittering on about whether one sector or another is happy with changes to economic form, it is about time the government had the balls to make decisions based on what is best for the whole country, and then explain them.
Which is where this government, and most of their predecessors, fail. They lack the courage of their convictions. Unless, of course, their convictions are no more than a lust for power and a desire to win the next election no matter what. Then , of course, we get venal government, which is what this present lot is looking more and more like being.
If tax cuts, which National has been banging on about for ten years, are really what is going to revitalise the economy, then do it and damn the critics. Of course I would expect that tax cuts mean taxs cuts for everyone, so if there is an incentive in letting those on $70,000 keep most of their income, the same should go for those getting less.
And if suburban households have to pay more for the cost of carbon emissions, so, too, should farmers.
But there, you see, it is not about being fair, or offering leadership. It is about weasling your way through three years in government in the hope that you will keep the perks, the ministerial limos and the frequent ego buffing.
John Key will do and say anything he thinks we get him back for another term. Special deals for the Maori Party, the mining lobby, big business, farmers, little Rodders and his actors. Santa politics meaning a lolly for everyone so long as you get to keep the red suit.
Leadership takes real grown ups, and right now, especially with the departure of Jeanette Fitzsimons, adults are the one thing Wellington lacks.
Step change? Those slugs will need to learn how to walk first.