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PM's Presser Audio 23/5/11 – Labour Bad
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Today's post-cabinet press conference focussed on Labour's recent economic announcements. Prime Minister John Key said the plans to pay for a research and development tax credit fell 1.2 billion dollars short, stood by the current minimum wage and argued against including agriculture in the emissions trading scheme in 2013. There was also general discussing of National's approach to the ETS.
My Key had begun by addressing doubts over Treasury's economic growth estimates in the recent budget, which he described as "in the pack" of bank estimates, if not conservative.
Asked whether Pharmac was on the table in international trade negotiations, Key declined to give any bottom lines on the matter. He described the scheme as "hugely successful" and said that any decision would have to be in New Zealand's interests, but encouraged the gallery to wait and see.
Other undecided matters included who New Zealand might support to head the International Monetary Fund and what support might be given to former Fijian army chief Tevita Mara.
Regarding reports that a listening device had been found in a MP's house, Mr Key said he did not comment on security matter, but he didn't believe everything he read in the Sunday Star Times.
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