Election warning in Government 'Warrant of Fitness'

Passes for Workplace Training, Education, Immigration, Crime and Infrastructure mean it’s an overall positive review.

But the Government gets ‘fail’ ratings for Road Safety and the Economy.

“The Government sails smoothly out of the workshop this review,” MTA says in the WoF.

“Big gains in education and immigration highlight this inspection and while there’s work to be done, there’s no doubt the Government has made considerable progress in key areas.”

In particular, Erica Stanford’s signalled plans to give trades more weight in the school curriculum and changes to immigration settings have earned the approval of MTA and industry.

However, MTA warns that the Government’s review of driver licensing and the Warrant of Fitness, while needed, “could yet end in disaster unless industry is listened to.

“Some of the proposed changes are left field and a surprise to those on the front line. Consultation must be more than box-ticking.

“The priority for both must be safety, safety, safety.”

The Government WoF is a six-monthly review of the Government performance with particular relevance to the automotive industry.

To promote the WoF, MTA has taken billboard space in direct line of sight from the Beehive, ensuring it’s seen by Government. Earlier this year the billboard featured in an item on TVNZ’s Q+A programme.

With the election a year away, the latest WoF carries a warning to Government.

“While the Government looks good 12 months out from the election, potholes and pitfalls could lie ahead.”