Tonight I attended the Business Roundtable forum on Policy — where the question of privatisation was specifically addressed. There were three speakers, Roger Kerr (of the NZBRt), Grant Robertson (Labour Wellington Central Candidate), and Dr. Roderick Deane (Former state services commissioner, and ex boss of three out of four of NZ’s best companies).
Much fun was had by all. Roger started off by doing a brief presentation of the issues at hand, canvassing the current climate in NZ, and reflecting sadly on the countries poor attitudes to privatization. Grant Robertson followed, giving a good account of the other side of the debate, reflecting on how the left have dealt with the reforms of the 1980’s and how a Labour party, that wrought then, has also come to terms with what it achieved. So far things were interesting, but fairly ho hum.
Then Dr. Deane spoke. Starting of with a measured pace, he began to softly reflect on the merits of privatization, and then he began to debunk many myths around the subject. With each word his energy and passion grew — until finally he erupted, with a cry of “bullshit” he launched into a harsh critique of governmental policies, and regulation. Implicit in his presentation was the idea that the 1980’s reforms that he helped lead New Zealand through, had not gone further enough. And by the looks of many nodding heads in the exclusive, but varied crowd he was being readily agreed with. In an odd rhetorical question he asked “who here really likes government” upon which a firebrand from young Labour cried “I do!” — which was then replied with a retort from an astute member of the crowd “that’s because the government doesn’t pay taxes.” Chuckles were had by all.
However all was not smiles. True to form those leftists had caught whiff of the session and had come en mass. Young Labour had a contingent to support (or listen to) Grant. To Grant’s credit he did recognize the importance of the market system, and was open to the idea of private partnerships with government in some particular areas. Joel Cosgrove also made an appearance, as did his beard. Which by now is larger than Karl Marx’s original one.
After the speeches, a discussion soon arose. Grant came under heavy fire from the friedmanites in the crowd, who pushed him to point to efficient public services (he cited vehicle testing NZ), or to propose ones that if he had too he would sell off. His answer to this started a verbal fight between himself, and his co-panelist Dr. Deane. Miaow…
The ACT party candidate for Otaki — Victoria University’s own Peter McCaffrey, emerged from the back, and began politicking with Grant as well. It had something to do with the fact that Peter is annoyed at having to pay twice for freeview thanks to sky TV. Election winning stuff. Other questions fielded involved the hypocrisy and alleged xenophobia of Labour’s Auckland airport legislation, the problem of investment in NZ’s telecommunications industries and private support for Nuclear Power.
All in all it was a very interesting night, and one that perhaps has reignited the issues of private ownership, and the inter-relationship between the market and Government. Look out for more details in print. Until then, here is the Milton Friedman choir.