Should the NZ Government re-introduce trade subsidies for local exporters?

Opinion

Australia correspondent The New South Wales Government may breach the closer trade relations agreement with New Zealand in a bid to save jobs.

In defiance of international treaties, Treasurer Eric Roozendaal has announced moves that will provide local companies with a 20 per cent advantage over the bids of foreign rivals.

But under the 1997 transtasman government procurement agreement, New Zealand goods and suppliers must be treated as equals of local companies.

Should the NZ Government re-introduce trade subsidies for local exporters?