Scoop Headlines

The Tax Cut Tango - As National backbenchers call for a tax cuts programme to be announced at their party's upcoming annual conference. The media are trying to read the smoke signals from the various offices of the Beehive, the general consensus seems to be that the Prime Minister seems keener for a firm commitment to voters in the run up to the election than her Treasurer, Bill English. The new man with his hands on the purse strings outlines his general views in the Parliament wire.

Million Dollar Man? The Prime Minister appeared to say on the new 'Crossfire' show last night that John Hawkesby was paid a million dollars to walk away from his short run reading TV1's news. Mrs Shipley was trying to turn the tables during questioning on recent golden handshakes to public servants. TVNZ seems a bit bemused by the claim.

Licence Fee Announcement - The Government will talk about the cost of new drivers' licences tomorrow. The fees have been the focus of criticism, especially from bus and taxi drivers, who face charges of up to $400. Mr Williamson will be discussing with the Regulations Review Select Committee issues it has raised about the new licences.

Just Like Old Times Auckland mayor, National MP and former Minister ChristineFletcher takes a swipe at the effects of the Government's education policy in her Espom electorate in the parliament wire.

Race Relations -ACT are zeroing in on Maori Affairs Minister Hon Tau Henare continuing his call for the Race Relations Office to focus on the Treaty of Waitangi. See.. Biculturalism Versus Multiculturalism. Richard Prebble says that Mr Henare should look to the All Blacks - Prebble and colleague, Ken Shirley has a view as well. All in the Parliament wire.

The House MPs are all attending caucus meetings this morning as they prepare for the House. Crime legislation is at the top of the Government's agenda. Justice Minister, Tony Ryall continues to exchange fire with Phil Goff in the parliament wire.

A Tale Of Two Polls - Two polls paint very different pictures for National and Labour, see "Polls Apart" in the headlines wire.

Reshuffling The (Brat) Pack - The Prime Minister yesterday announced a minor reshuffle of her Cabinet with Bill English confirmed as Treasurer. Mr Birch takes up the Finance and Revenue roles. Mr McKinnon takes over responsibility of the new portfolio for veterans and there are other minor changes all detailed in the Parliament wire. See.. Prime Minister Announces Cabinet Changes. In the headlines wire, The Scoop gives an inside look at the changes, the policy of being a moving target, balancing the old with the new and the rehabilitation of Lockwood Smith. See.. Reshuffling The Pack..

Mixed Reaction to Cabinet Changes - Reaction to yesterday's Cabinet reshuffle can be seen in the Parliament wire. Labour Leader Helen Clark yesterday dismissed the reshuffle as insignificant, claiming the Prime Minister's tinkering with ministerial portfolios scarcely justified a press conference. See.. Gee whiz wow!. Meanwhile ACT Finance Spokesman Rodney Hide yesterday said the first job for the country's new Treasurer must be setting out a programme of tax cuts. See.. Tax Cuts First Job For New Treasurer.

Lockwood Challenges Anderton To Put UpAlliance Leader Jim Anderton's claims that he has 'evidence' of New Zealand being excluded from regional forums because of our commitment to free trade cannot be allowed to pass without challenge" said Trade Minister Lockwood Smith yesterday. See.. Challenge To Anderton: Put Up Or Shut Up in the Parliament wire.

GM Debate Heats Up The G8 leaders have labelled GM food as a risk to humanity. The Scoop takes a look as European GM food fears roll across the atlantic

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