Prime Minister Helen Clark will emphasise strong economic performance when she outlines the government's programme for election year this week.
Wednesday, February 2nd 2005, 11:22PM
by The Landlord
Insiders say when Clark gives the traditional leader's address when Parliament resumes on Tuesday, she will be taking a "steady as she goes" approach.
Clark's speech will link the strongly performing economy to the government's cautious economic management - and will continue to reject opposition claims that economic boom times mean the government can afford tax cuts.
She will also stress the relationship between a healthy economy and social policy, focusing on the importance of a healthy, educated and skilled workforce and improving living standards and work-life balance (through measures such as generous holiday provisions, childcare and working conditions) to a robust economy.
Clark is also expected to emphasise Labour's push on boosting productivity and building international trade relationships to underpin sustainable economic growth.
