Thursday, August 19, 2004
So the man doesn't lie - so what?
There is a bit of a beat up on Stuff about Dr Don "bad mouthing" New Zealand to an Australian business audience. Clark has come out and said that this is absurd and that New Zealand "is clearly on a roll" - showing her incredible ability to ignore the issue at hand.
When it was put to him that it might put potential investors off New Zealand, Dr Brash said he was just presenting a factual argument. "This government is damaging our prospects and it's important everybody knows that."What Brash is saying is that the operating environment for business in Australia is better than in New Zealand. My Right is keen to hear from anyone that would argue against that.
Asked if he thought it likely that his remarks would make someone who was thinking of expanding into New Zealand think again, Dr Brash responded: "I don't know."
"I think they would at least ask some questions of their advisers (about employment law and other problems). It's better to find out now than find out after they've made a commitment of money because that will make them very bitter and disillusioned."
Note the middle paragraph dig as well. A lot of people are attempting to create an image of Brash as poorly briefed and 'iffy' when asked direct questions. He may not be as clear as he should be on policy details on many occasions, granted. But here he is asked to speculate as to how someone might possibly feel about his comments. He didn't know, he said so, big deal (I would like to see the full interview text for what came before and after as well).
Brash is by no means perfect - but I have absolutely no issue with him telling an Australian audience what most of them are already fully aware of. Thoughts people??
