Hey all, just a reminder that submissions are currently open on quite a major policy change – the introduction of large scale fully funded income insurance in New Zealand. So if you have thoughts or feelings on the issue, make sure to get a submission in before Tuesday.

In the lead up Simon Chapple has posted a good article on the issue, and I’ve posted up my own article as well. This is a major policy proposal that is being pushed through under de facto urgency without a proper policy design process – and with lots of unintended consequences. As a result, even though we both agree with looking at improving support and transitions for individuals facing hardship – in fact this is an issue we have both focused on in the past – this ain’t it son.

For those who do not want to trudge through text, the thoughts can be boiled down as follows:

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Robert MacCulloch has written an interesting piece on economic advice within the public service in New Zealand (free link), with Eric Crampton noting a lack of trained economists in government as a key concern. Given the recent incoherent experience of rushed policy and advice on fuel taxes this seems like quite a pertinent discussion.

I think Robert MacCulloch is too optimistic about Wellington.
It isn't just that the Ministries hate economists.
It's that they're often filled with poorly trained analysts, often hired as economists, who see economics as a threat.https://t.co/VDx0ODRsyM

— Eric Crampton (@EricCrampton) March 23, 2022

I’m a trained economist. And I’ve been working in government in New Zealand fairly recently, and am now actively employed in the private sector. So do I have juicy gossip?

No, not at all. I do have a perspective however that isn’t just about some arbitrary lack of hiring “well trained economists” – lets have a chat.

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