Clark plays the pledge card

By VERNON SMALL

Labour has revived its successful "pledge card" from the last election, but this version is much lighter on measurable policy plans.

The seven promises on Helen Clark's "next steps" card for the July 27 election hit all the hot-button issues - the economy, health, education, law and order, tax, job training, superannuation.

Along with a catalogue of her Government's achievements, and a promise to continue with "steady, stable, predictable, progressive Government", the card was the centrepoint of her 40-minute campaign opening at Auckland's Aotea centre yesterday.

Only two new policies will be easy to measure - a promise to double apprenticeships to 6000 by December next year and to increase the number of teachers.

Pledges to put money aside to prefund superannuation and not to raise GST, personal tax or company tax only maintain the status quo. Promised tougher sentences for the worst offenders seemed to refer to measures passed into law in the present term.

Helen Clark did add some flesh to the bare-bones pledge on extra teachers.

"Over and above the teachers required for projected roll growth, we plan to have around 3000 extra teachers in schools by 2007."

Education Minister Trevor Mallard was certain the number needed could be provided, she said. Teacher training would get more money.

The card, bearing Helen Clark's signature, built on the foundations set down in her first term.

For instance, the Government planned to further reduce hospital waiting times.

"Our goal is that no one waits more than six months for their first assessment by a specialist, or for more than six months for their surgery following assessment."

She later reacted sharply to a reporter's question about whether it was difficult to sign the card when she was under police investigation for signing fake art works.

"Absolutely not," she said, before pointedly turning away.

The speech was received enthusiastically by the 800 party faithful at the launch.

Two anti-GE protesters who interjected early in the speech were quickly expelled.

THE PLEDGES

* Work with all sectors to create an innovative growing economy with more jobs.

* Better access to primary health care so problems can be tackled earlier.

* Keep tertiary education affordable. Get more teachers into schools.

* Put Government funds aside now to guarantee current superannuation for everyone in the future.

* Double the number of modern apprenticeships.

* Tougher sentences for the most serious offenders. More support for proven programmes to cut youth offending.

* No rise in rates of income tax, GST, or company tax.

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