After decades of low inflation, prices are rising across the global economy, putting growing pressure on households. The Labour Government has responded in various ways – subsiding transport costs and tackling long-running market power issues in the supermarket and construction sectors. But a growing chorus of voices says the only way forward is for unemployment to rise, pushing the burden of the crisis onto workers. What really is driving this crisis? What should we do about it? And how does the government's response to date stack up? Join us to hear from Dr Geoff Bertram on these issues, with CTU economist Craig Renney responding. Dr Geoff Bertram is an economist from the Institute of Governance and Policy Studies at the Victoria University of Wellington, whose research has included investigations into excess profits and anti-competitive practices in New Zealand. Craig Renney is an economist and policy director with the Council of Trade Unions. The session will be chaired by journalist and barrister Ollie Neas.
Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the Pae Ora health reforms with you.
Since I was sacked by the Health Minister I have taken time to reflect on the experience and to make a considered assessment of what I learned in the process. My intention tonight is to share that with you, making the assumption that we share common ground in wanting to have an effective, efficient, excellent and equitable public health service.
If anyone does not want that, I don’t really have anything useful to share with you.