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Parliament is considering a bill to amend the Local Government Act 2002 passed by the last government. It is a chance to improve democracy and performance in our councils. Read more
It’s often said that “politics is the art of the possible”, usually by politicians who know they should be doing something in the overall national interest but aren’t willing or able to do it. The contrast is with Winston Churchill’s statement, “It is no use saying ‘we are doing our best’. Read more
A fundamental law of economics is that you can control the price of something or the quantity supplied, but not both. We saw that law in operation in the old Soviet system, with rationing and queues, and during the Muldoon wage and price freeze. Read more
Calls are mounting for the next phase of the government’s emissions trading scheme, due to commence on 1 July 2010, to be deferred. There are strong arguments for a temporary suspension of the scheme. Read more
Blimey, stone the crows! A few weeks ago something happened in Australia that I never believed possible. Read more
Each year at about this time the OECD puts out a report on tax covering its member countries. Each year some media and politicians can be counted on to misinterpret it. Read more
As an example of poor quality public policy analysis, the Law Commission’s report on alcohol regulation will be a landmark for years to come. A 514-page doorstop, it ranks with the 1988 report of the Royal Commission on Social Policy which was dead on arrival. Read more
In a speech about New Zealand’s accident compensation scheme in 1996 I said, “The country was sold a pup which has turned into a pitbull terrier that mauls everyone it comes in contact with – accident victims, employers and politicians alike.” ACC minister Dr Nick Smith is just the last of a long line of ministers to inherit a scheme in financial crisis. There have been endless reviews of ACC since its inception. Read more
Preparations for the 2010 budget will be underway in government circles. The 2010 Budget Policy Statement, which sets out the broad parameters, is due in December. Read more
A potentially important announcement by the government last month has not been widely reported. It took the form of a Government Statement on Regulation, which was released with an accompanying Cabinet paper. Read more