ACT Issues Economic Challenge To National

ACT Leader Rodney Hide today said he was pleased that National Leader John Key wants to make the economy the defining issue of the coming election.

"But New Zealand needs a change of direction - not just a change of government," Mr Hide said.

"Labour is reaping what it sowed with the economic downturn. It would be great to have a fresh leader - but only if he actually leads. There's no point following another Helen Clark and Michael Cullen script.

"What National - and those thinking of voting National - needs to understand is that following the same economic policies as Labour will simply mean that we see the same results and no improvement for New Zealand.

"We need a government that will get spending under control and deal with red tape. I look forward to National supporting our Taxpayer Rights Bill and Regulatory Responsibility Bill - both of which are critical to changing the direction of the economy and improving growth.

"It's not enough to simply hold the number of bureaucrats: I challenge Mr Key to also hold government spending to the rate of inflation. After nine years of a Labour Government there's enough fat in the system to last 20 years," Mr Hide said.