Straggle Muster 165 - 12/8/2005
RURAL POLICY - WHERE DO THEY STAND?
In the countdown to September 17, all the media commentators are talking about education, health, tax rates - all the hardy annuals. The Farmingshow decided to do some digging on the major parties' websites to see what, if any, emphasis was being placed on the rural sector. Here's what we found:
LABOUR - Click here to view.
It would seem the Government's 2005 Rural Policy has yet to be released. When it is, you'll find it here. Perhaps it's being held back, just like National's Tax announcement for fear of giving the Opposition time to combat some key initiatives. Hmm, perhaps? In the meantime, you can match the Government's performance against its 2002 Policy by clicking here.
NATIONAL - Click here to view.
The prosperity that we enjoy today has been underwritten by a productive agricultural sector, supported by strong rural communities. But that productivity and an industry that has long been described as the backbone of our economy is under increasing pressure from increasing taxes, levies, regulations and compliance costs imposed by Helen Clark and the Labour Government. National will reverse Labour's approach. We understand how much agriculture underpins our economy, and we will give top priority to reducing on-farm and off-farm costs.
NZ FIRST - Click here to view.
For far too long the vital contribution of New Zealand's rural sector has been under valued by successive governments. New Zealand First believes this is a travesty which must be redressed through a policy prescription that values our rural communities and restores confidence and vigour to the farming and land-based sectors.
THE GREENS - Click here to view.
The Green Party believes food and fibre should be produced in ways that are healthy for humans, environmentally friendly, respect workers and animals, and maintain biodiversity. The Greens also believe rural people deserve the same basic services and opportunities available to urban people.
ACT - Click here to view.
Rural New Zealand produces 44% of the nation's exports, employs 100,000 people and represents 6% of our total GDP, yet access to quality social and commercial services and security are a problem in many rural communities. ACT aims for a prosperous rural sector, where farming and supporting businesses thrive and rural communities have access to quality public services.
UNITED FUTURE - Click here to view.
United Future will establish an independent commission of inquiry to investigate the issue of access to health, education, emergency, transport and social services in rural areas as the starting point in the development of a comprehensive rural services strategy built around families and local communities.
We welcome your thoughts ahead of the Election. E-mail us anytime at mailto:mail@farmingshow.com.
Cheers
Jamie, Nick and the Farmingshow team
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