Schools

Please note:- Notes and content should be checked against final delivery

Good afternoon my name is Philip Ozouf.

1. In a few days you will choose 6 candidates who will in all likelihood, be called upon to serve as Ministers.
   
   
2. Ministers who will lead departments, invite the States to approve policies, making Ministerial Decisions - quite apart from being responsible for millions of pounds of tax payers money.
   
   
3. Jersey Ministers are now called upon to represent the Island in London and further afield.
   
   
4. Most significantly – they will be the ones who will be called to steer the island through which – as is becoming increasingly clear - are going to be far more difficult economically than in the past.
   
   
5. The people needed will need to be hardworking, listen, have an ability to respond and importantly listen to the needs and wishes of islanders.
   
   
6. I realise this election as a Minister is going to be more challenging and rightly so.
   
   
7. This election should test performance – in the past people have got elected on making promises or un-costed proposals that can’t be delivered.
   
   
8. 9 years ago I stood as a St Helier Deputy and came through the ranks - six years ago being elected as Senator.
   
   
9. In last three years as Economic Development Minister – I’ve been responsible for the economy and all our Industries from fishing, finance, e-commerce and the domestic economy – as well as consumer protection.  
   
   
10. I’m a hard worker – I only work as a States member and I have reformed Economic Development – brought the Harbours and Airports under our wing and we’ve delivered a much more enterprising Island – Jersey Enterprise helping hundreds of businesses.
    
    
11. Our economic growth is the envy of others –I don’t run businesses – all we do is create the climate for others to do that - but we should be proud that we have delivered - over two-thirds has been delivered by what the economists call productivity improvements.
    
    
12. My politics is more than just about economics and finance
    
    
13. I’m also a very independent politician – I’m not in any party and whilst I have been a Minister – that does not mean I run the Council of Ministers or necessarily agree with them – that’s a challenge for me to get across.
    
    
14. Six years ago I set out a number of promises.
    
    
15. Two of those were solving the unfair rates burden which meant urban Parishes were unfairly charged due to welfare burden.
    
    
16. I solved that by - in part - the introduction of a new rates system.
    
    
17. I also wanted to focus on St Helier which I care passionately about.
    
    
18. Many of you will remember Broad Street - I had a vision to improve town and I delivered Broad Street and many other town improvements.
    
    
19. I’m probably best known for the Island’s competition Law - which – at last - outlawed cartels and price fixing.
    
    
20. This has started to make a real difference on prices in telecoms, transport and areas such as Lawyer scale fees.
    
    
21. Two of the many things I have worked to deliver.
    
    
22. I believe the public want States members to work together and not squabble.
    
    
23. The States needs reform
    
    
24. I try to be a problem solver and be constructive.
    
    
25. As a States member you have to work as a team – motivate/encourage and take people with you.
    
    
26. As to the future – well - economically whilst we are in a very strong position to weather the global turmoil – we’ve got significant financial fire power – I am confident not complacent and I believe I have the experience to help us steer the island through tougher times.
    
    
27. I’m passionate about Jersey and whilst I believe and have proved you can spend money wisely – the States has got to be tougher on spending and deliver on its efficiency promises - we have to continue to deliver top health, education, pensions and all the things that makes our island supportive and gives to those who need it
    
    
28. I also believe in an island where everyone has the opportunity and encouragement to reach their full potential
    
    
29. an Island which respects our senior citizens and young people
    
    
30. And an Island which is proud of itself as it is culturally diverse.
    
    
31. I think we need to be tough on population control and with the new laws which will be introduced next year this will help
    
    
32. I don’t want to see or believe we need to see any building on a field and am willing to commit to that. 
    
    
33. We need an elderly Health scheme
    
    
34. I do want to see the goal of owning your own home as being the achievable and legitimate of all islanders.  
    
    
35. 3 minutes is not nearly enough to explain my policies and vision and you can read the details on my website www.ozouf.je 
     
36. If you want a candidate who has worked hard for Jersey with leadership, ability and a proven track record to get things done, that does listen and responds and that can help steer the Island then I hope one of your votes is for me.