The public is sceptical about whether the Government has the policies to match Australia's income level or even whether it is possible at all, a poll released yesterday shows.A TVNZ/Colmar Brunton poll said 57 percent did not believe the Government was pu
The public is sceptical about whether the Government has the policies to match Australia's income level or even whether it is possible at all, a poll released yesterday shows.
A TVNZ/Colmar Brunton poll said 57 percent did not believe the Government was pursuing policies to match income levels with those across the Tasman within 15 years, while 27 percent did.
Asked if New Zealand could catch up. 72 percent said no and 20 percent said yes.
The poll also said that National was maintaining its 20 percentage point lead over Labour as the preferred political party.
Prime Minister John Key recently described comments made by Reserve Bank governor Alan Bollard that New Zealand is unable to compete with Australia as negative.
Dr Bollard said New Zealand did not have the same advantages as Australia -- such as its wealth of minerals -- and should instead look to take advantage of Australia's good fortune.
Wages in New Zealand are about one third lower than Australia
The Government recently dismissed most of a report it asked for from the Productivity Commission, which proposed slashing state spending and cutting taxes.
Mr Key said while it was an aspirational goal, it was possible with more modest policy changes to increase productivity.
