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John Key and Bill English present National’s Fiscal Policy

John Key and Bill English present National’s Fiscal Policy

8 September 2014

By Elizabeth Beattie

Today Prime Minister John Key and Minister of Finance Bill English met with the press to discuss National’s proposed Fiscal Budget for the next three years.

Key stated National’s goals regarding their budget is to “maintain and grow a good economy” he then outlined National’s intentions to reduce government debt, reduce income taxes, and reduce ACC levies on houses and businesses.

Key stated: “We’ll return to surplus this year and maintain surpluses over subsequent years”.

English spoke about the importance of New Zealand to maintain economic momentum via “sensible and predictable policies”.

During their announcement Key and English were both critical of Labour’s proposed Fiscal Spending accusing their Budget of inaccuracy and naivety.

Key stated: “The test for David Cunliffe has been that David Parker knows how to use an excel spreadsheet and put it up on a website, and that’s touching” adding: “You really couldn't take their numbers seriously.”

When Key and English threw open the floor to questions however, they were criticized by members of the press for the ambiguity of their proposed Budget, their lack of clarity of proposed tax cuts, the conditional nature of the policy and tax cuts “convenient timing” and the lack of immediate action.

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Key also discussed the Foreign Policy Adviser’s accreditation for Israel and Palestine and the Israeli ambassador.

Key also briefly discussed the pre-election polls and impending election.

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ENDS

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