As the new Government makes its way to Parliament, there’s a palpable sense of relief among New Zealanders.
The Coalition Government is faced with the daunting task of undoing the legislative mess left behind by the previous government.
The ACT Party’s commitment is to prioritise essential tasks over quixotic boondoggles and remove laws that hinder our progress.
One of the first items on the chopping block is the so-called ‘Fair Pay’ Agreements, a brainchild of Michael Wood.
These agreements, allowing small groups of workers to impose nationwide contracts on entire industries, have only complicated our already straightforward employment laws. In a nation where industries are drowning in permissions, rules, and paperwork, Fair Pay Agreements would only exacerbate the problem, leading to confusion and absurdities.
As the new Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden, will be leading the charge to delete these agreements before Christmas.
I understand that productivity is the lifeblood of our economy. No worker can sustainably earn more than their production, and no employer can sustainably pay less than their workers produce. Deleting Fair Pay Agreements is a crucial step towards restoring clarity and fostering an environment where businesses can thrive without unnecessary bureaucratic burdens.
Another issue that demands immediate attention is the Lake Onslow dam project, a reverse hydroelectric scheme that would require a staggering $16 billion of taxpayer money. This project not only clashes with our successful private sector-driven renewable energy market but also poses a significant burden on the hardworking taxpayer. Deleting the Lake Onslow project is not just a cost-saving measure; it’s about ensuring a level playing field for private investors and encouraging further investment in renewable energy.
We must also address the conflicting demands placed on the Reserve Bank in 2019, with a change in mandate from focusing solely on inflation to inflation and ‘maximum sustainable employment.’ This led to conflicting demands and risky monetary experiments. ACT will signal a return to a singular focus on price stability, steering clear of experiments that could have adverse long-term effects on our economy.
Lastly, the Clean Car Discount, colloquially known as the ‘Ute Tax,’ is set to be eradicated by the end of the year. This tax burdened farmers and tradies to subsidize electric vehicle buyers. The removal of this tax aligns with our commitment to personal choice in vehicle selection, ensuring that New Zealanders are free to make decisions that best suit their needs.
In conclusion our focus as promised to all New Zealander’s regardless of their origin is on pragmatic and effective legislative reforms. By deleting cumbersome laws and projects, we can pave the way for a more productive and prosperous New Zealand, unencumbered by unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and ill-conceived policies.
–Rahul Chopra was ACT’s Mt Roskill candidate in the 2023 general elections and now works with Party Leader , David Seymour