Don Brash and his fellow commission members have written a wish list that is likely to be rejected almost completely and almost immediately by John Key. Key (and Labour) are likely to write this off as the rest of Roger Douglas' (discredited) reform plans.
That's a
pity. There is some useful and potentially brave ideas in here that should be picked up. I agree with the moves to a flatter tax system and restraints on government spending. The water rights trading scheme is a no-brainer.
It's surprising, however, that the Taskforce has ignored the area of taxing property. There is no proposal for a land tax or a capital gains tax.
John Key needs to step back and think about the longer term, or at least past the next election. He doesn't have to break any promises. He needs to show some leadership. The truly great leaders convince their followers to change direction for the better.
He could distinguish himself as a truly great and brave leader by proposing reforms such these for enacting after the 2011 election.
He has the political gifts and the capital to do it. But does he want to take a risk to really reform this economy so our graduates (and his children) don't buy one-way tickets to Australia?
Bernard Hickey
Pictured: Roger Douglas. Photo/ Richard Robinson
