Agenda 10/3/07: News Briefs

National Won’t Support Market Related Rents

National Leader John Key says there may not be a return to market related rents for state houses if National wins the next election.

Speaking to interviewer Lisa Owen on TVOne’s “Agenda” programme today, Mr Key said National is currently doing a review of its housing policy.

“I don’t favour a move back to market related rents, and I don’t think the party will support a move back to market related rents.”

Mr Key conceded this was a change from their policy in the lead up to the last election;“We were a bit fuzzy on that in terms of our policy in 2005.”

He said National’s focus would be on ensuring those currently in state homes were able to buy their own home if they wanted.

“We would much rather support a system which allows them to buy their own home if they want to – buy their state house.”

Mr Key said he believes what is important is allowing and encouraging home ownership, as a first set up the socio-economic ‘ladder’.

Tax Cuts Still A Priority

National Leader John Key says tax cuts are still a strong priority for the party, but they would be phased in over a period of time.

Speaking on TVOne’s Agenda programme today Mr Key said tax cuts were important for improving economic growth.

“We are firmly committed to tax cuts. I personally believe tax cuts send all the rights incentives.”

Mr Key attributed the growing personal income gap between New Zealand and Australia to the fact that Australians had received greater tax breaks.

“Consistently over the past eight years Australia has consistently cut taxes at a time where New Zealand has effectively raised taxes in a number of forms.”

However he cautioned that tax cuts would not be immediate should National win the next election.

“They will be phased in over time – there won’t be a ‘big bang’ approach.”

National Won’t Bring Back Airforce Strike Force

National leader John Key has indicated that having a strike force capability in the Airforce is not a priority for the party.

Speaking on TVOne’s Agenda programme Mr Key said funding could be better spent elsewhere.

“A combat crew is extremely expensive and we have to compare that against other options.”

He denies that reinstating strike force capability was a core policy issue, rather the issue will have to be further investigated.

“It wasn’t our policy last time, we are going to have a white paper review on that.”

Mr Key went on to say there are other social policies that will take priority over an expensive strike force capability.

“My view is that we need to be spending wisely on Defense, we need to do a stock take on what we require.”

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