The Government is working hard to deliver better public services to New Zealanders, and we're making good progress.
This week, the State Services Commission released its latest Kiwis Count survey, which measures New Zealanders' satisfaction with 42 frequently used public services.
The overall service quality score for public services betweenFebruary and June was 72, an increase over the 2009 score of 69. Since 2009, 27 public services have enjoyed increased public confidence. This improvement in services is a key area as the Government strives to build a more competitive and productive economy.
Other factors that will contribute to this improved economy include legislation such as the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf Bill, which passed into law this week, and will for the first time enable comprehensive environmental management of activities in New Zealand's exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.
This new environmental legislation will allow us to carefully manage development of the resources in our oceans and help us unlock the enormous economic potential of those oceans responsibly.
The Government has ensured that beefed-up penalties of up to $10 million will apply under the bill and that the bill's purpose will align closely with the Resource Management Act in focusing on sustainable management of our oceans for economic growth.
The bill sends a strong signal that New Zealanders care about their marine environment and want to see development occur in a sustainable way.
The Government has also signalled plans to increase the penalties for child pornography offences and further steps to reduce the effect of cyber-bullying. Both of these, along with family violence, are critical issues for our communities.
One last thing: this week sees Parliament debate two high-profile pieces of legislation in the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill and the Alcohol Reform Bill.
