Budget bold, innovative, says Webster

THE 2013 budget is bold and it is innovative, says the National Research Institute (NRI) director Dr Thomas Webster yesterday.
“It is bold in the change that politicians are taking responsibility for it.
“If the budget fails to deliver they can go to the polls and let the people judge. That is heartening to us,” Webster said.
Webster added that deficit budgeting and the move to give the provinces and districts responsibility for their funding and make them accountable was a step in the right direction.
“For a long time we have been saying there is a two-speed economy – one in Port Moresby and another one in the pro­vinces. With this shift the two would be merged into one.”
He said the growth forecast over the next few years of 4% was conservative and he expected growth in excess of the amount of money being spent to grow the economy.
Webster’s only concern is implementation.
“If the implementation goes right, then growth and opportunities are great. My only concern is that we will see these outcomes if we implement the budget right.
“I am hoping to see better management in terms of cash flow and procurement.”