Electoral cycle blamed for lack of progress

Press, 5 June 1982, Page 21

Electoral cycle blamed for lack of progress

PA Auckland New Zealand's developmental problems stemmed in part from the shortness of the Parliamentary term, the chairman of the Planning Council (Sir Frank Holmes) said yesterday. The three-year electoral cycle remained a serious difficulty in planning for more stable expansion this decade, Sir Frank told the Auckland Rotary Club. With the outcome of the next election “highly uncertain.” it was now a good time

to start public discussion on the length of the Parliamentary term. A referendum could be held at the next General Election to decide whether the Government then'elected should have a longer term of office, he said. Sir Frank said the planning council believed the Government should promote a more competitve economy, with less of the subsidies, concessions, and tariffs that had become increasingly counter-productive.

This would not only improve material living standards but also create more jobs and reduce the personal, social, and industrial tensions which went with stagnation and high unemployment. Sir Frank welcomed moves by the Government to prepare its own statement of development strategy. It would be very helpful to others involved in planning to have such a statement of the Government aims for economic, social, and cultural development, he said. "At present policies tend to be presented ad hoc and it is difficult for the community to see how they fit together. A more systematic and integrated forward-look-ing approach is. I believe, most important." Closer Economic Relations with Australia would widen the opportunities for New Zealand industries to compete without impediment in a larger market. Sir Frank said.