Cabinet Paper DEV-19-SUB-0008: DEV Update of Progress on CPC Initiatives

Cabinet Paper DEV-19-SUB-0008: DEV Update of Progress on CPC Initiatives

Proposal

1. This paper provides an update on progress across the Government's priorities, as outlined by the Cabinet Priorities Committee (CPC), for which the Cabinet Economic Development Committee (DEV) is responsible.

Comment

2. On 27 November, CPC discussed progress towards achieving the Government’s priorities. To inform DEV’s contribution, officials collated a summary report from relevant portfolios on progress across the 53 initiatives that DEV has been assigned responsibility.
3. The self-reported progress on each initiative is outlined in the annex. Nine initiatives were self-identified as being rated amber, the remaining were rated green. Four initiatives have been completed or are now in ongoing delivery.
4. I propose that we discuss the initiatives that were self-identified as amber (listed in paragraph 5 below), and the additional initiatives outlined in paragraph 6, with a view to identifying where we can collectively take action to support the progress of these initiatives so they remain on track to be delivered.
5. The nine initiatives identified as rated amber were:
   • Legislative reform to promote a productive economy: Tax Working Group: Interim report
   • Grow Exports: Pursue trade agreements (e.g. EU free trade deal and RCEP)
   • Building a skilled workforce: Review of temporary work visa (Essential Skills) settings and post-study work rights for international students
   • Green Transport Card: Policy Development
   • He Kai Ke Aku Ringa
   • Whanau Development through Whenua
   • Fisheries Management Review
   • Upper North Island Supply Chain Strategy
   • Implement Kiwibuild
6. In addition, I consider that a number of initiatives also merit discussion due to risks or issues identified in their self-reported progress update or raised with me in other forums. Many of these relate to the “amber” issues above. In order to have an efficient and practical discussion, I propose grouping the issues as follows:
   1. Legislative reform to promote a productive economy: Overseas Investment Act, Phase 2; Tax Working Group report.
   2. Grow exports: Implement Trade for All Agenda; Free Trade Agreements; International Cooperation (China).
   3. Urban Growth Agenda and urban transport: Kiwibuild; the Auckland Rapid Mass Transit Network; Green Transport Card.
   4. Three Waters infrastructure: reform with local government.
   5. Canterbury regeneration: progress with the Christchurch Convention Centre, Metro Sports and Stadium projects.
   6. Regional economic development: Provincial Growth Fund; One Billion Tress programme; Upper North Island Supply Chain Strategy.
   7. Rail policy: KiwiRail review.
   8. Public sector pay: pay equity legislation and settlements.
   9. Support innovation: CTO appointment and digital strategy.
   10. Māori development: Whanau Development through Whenua; He Kai Ke Aku Ringa
   11. Fisheries Management Review
   12. Building a skilled workforce: Review of temporary work visa (Essential Skills) settings and post-study work rights for international students.

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