Key Govt Sheds Its “Do Nothing” Image
March 17th, 2010
Not so long ago the Govt was being accused of being a “do-nothing” outfit (not only by its critics but even by one of its allies). But the criticism has faded, as the Govt fleshes out its programmes. John Key’s administration is pursuing a methodical approach to securing its primary goals: sector-by-sector analysis to identify growth prospects and lift productivity is being fitted into an over-arching strategy with the six main policy drivers which Key outlined early in his term (a growth-enhancing tax system, better public services, support for science, innovation and trade, better regulation, infrastructure investment and better education).
The National Infrastructure Plan and the CRI Taskforce report last week have been followed this week by Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce outlining his plan to link funding more directly to academic performance. Joyce says he is tackling course completion rates (some courses have only 30% completion rates) and reviewing the number of qualifications, at present around 6000. Any money saved would be ploughed back into the sector. The long-heralded Productivity Council is in the process of formation.
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The process of lifting state sector performance is making strides (this week the Education Ministry has been told to slash $25m from its overweight bureaucracy). And what will be a big budget is taking shape. Cabinet is still mulling over two of its knottiest environmental challenges – what to do about Canterbury water governance, and how far to go in proposing mining on conservation land.
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Duncan Cotterill