A couple of things are going on with this government. One is specific approach to policy, one is the ideological approach. Sometimes the specific can be driven by the ideological. Work visas for example. You cut visas, you slow the economy.
But the ideological is harder to measure. Andrew Little's three strikes decision is a classic. Of course we'll see, in time, how the out-workings present themselves. But for now, it's driven by nothing more than his very broad, ideological statement that putting people in prison doesn't work? Doesn't it?
I think it seems to work. Crime is down, and we've never had more people in prison. And when they're in prison, they don't commit crime.
But in the really ideological category, and dare I suggest wandering into the nutty category, is James Shaw's plan for climate change visas. So in other words, a fisherman from Tuvalu, for example, can apply to come here because climate change has wrecked his fishing grounds and he needs to set up camp here. You can see the minefield being created here. Work visas are comparatively simple. Do you have skills we need, yes or no?
But how do you judge climate change? And how is it you justify cutting immigration on work and student visas, visas that actually contribute to the country and its economy, while at the same time boosting other visas that in all likelihood will contribute nothing?
