FICTION: The Greens want to destroy the economy
FACT: The Greens know that a healthy economy is required to ensure all Australians have access to basic necessities.
However, the Greens do not believe in free-market fundamentalism; markets and the economy should serve the betterment of society, not the other way around.
The Greens are not opposed to free markets, despite what some conservative commentators will say: we believe that where are markets are functioning well they play an important role in effectively allocating resources. However, where markets fail, governments have an important role to play in correcting them.
The Greens do not believe in running up Government debt: we believe that government finances must be sustainble over the long run. Budget deficits and surpluses must balance out over the business cycle. That's why the Greens amended and supported the stimulus package which kept Australia out of recession and kept Australians in jobs, and why we have argued that it should be reviewed as back as the economy recovers.
The Greens believe that social, political and economic institutions must allow indidviduals and communities to determine their own priorities. Everyone should be able to enjoy the benefits of a successful, sustainable economy.
KEY POINTS:
- The Greens take a long-term view on economic policy.
- The Greens prtoected our economy, kept Australians in jobs and ensured the allocation for money for important projects through negotiations with the government on the stimulus package.
- Markets are meant to help people, not the other way around. That's why the Greens support functioning free markets, but also support governments role in correcting market failure.
- Budgets need to be balanced over the business cycle.
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