Government playing productivity catch-up

The Government has no idea how to fix New Zealand’s stagnating productivity and our long term decline in wages, says Labour’s Economic Development spokesperson Shane Jones.

“Bill English and Steven Joyce know we have a productivity problem. But they don’t know what to do about it. The best answer Bill English provided to me today was to ask me for ideas.

“Whilst I’m flattered, our ideas will work when our party is in government. Our policies will address the stagnation of wages that has seen 80 000 New Zealanders aged 18 – 30 leave for Australia under National.

“National’s hands-off policy will only see New Zealand fall further behind. The Government needs to take action to get New Zealand out of our two-speed economy rut.

“The three key ways to boost productivity are to increase investment, boost skills and training and support declining regions. National is neglecting all of them.

“Labour will increase investment through universal KiwiSaver and direct the money into productive industries through a capital gains tax and research and development tax credits. That will create better jobs that pay a higher wage.

“We will increase the skills of our young people through our apprenticeships for the dole scheme and new training opportunities. That will give young people the abilities to work in high-paying jobs.

“Labour will ensure our regions are not left behind. We will work with the regions to ensure the right industries flourish and jobs are created.

“New Zealand’s productivity problem must be fixed. National has no ideas, in fact they are asking Labour for the solutions,” says Shane Jones.

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