- By Parmjeet Parmar, Pakuranga-based ACT List MP
It has been almost a year since the election, and in Parliament the Coalition has been incredibly busy.
We’ve been focused with a series of quarterly plans. That may sound uninteresting, but the plans are remarkable in showing just how many ways we’re delivering on promises made on the campaign trail.
The Prime Minister recently unveiled the fourth quarterly plan, and I’m glad to see ACT’s influence shine through.
Of the 43 actions planned for this three-month period, 22 are either led by ACT ministers, advance our coalition commitments, or reflect core ACT policies.
We’re cutting through red tape that has stifled growth in sectors such as agriculture, housing, and energy.
By introducing reforms to the Resource Management Act and establishing a National Infrastructure Agency, we’re making it easier to get the big things built.
Education remains a focus for ACT, and this is reflected in the plan.
We’re empowering families with greater choice with charter schools and reviewing funding settings to ensure families who choose independent schools get a fair deal.
We’re implementing real consequences for crime, introducing legislation to address serious youth offending.
Meanwhile, we’re expanding the Traffic Light System to ensure accountability for beneficiaries.
These measures reflect our belief in a society where actions have consequences and personal responsibility is valued.
We’re removing barriers to innovation. In this quarter, that includes removing the ban on genetic engineering, opening doors for advancements in agriculture and health sciences.
We’re also allowing the development of offshore wind farms, keeping homes heated and factories running through cold winters.
And in health, our funding boost for Pharmac is now seeing the delivery of new cancer treatments.
As busy as we are in Wellington, that’s only one part of the job. The other part is listening to New Zealanders like you.
I’ve just spent two weeks away from the capital, much of it meeting New Zealanders in my home territory of Pakuranga, who rightly expect to see tangible results.
Whether it’s families struggling with the cost of living, businesses trying to find workers, or victims of crime seeking justice, it’s the public that keeps my ACT colleagues and me accountable and informed.
I hope readers of this column will stay in touch with me via email or at one of my regular coffee catchups
