11 March 2005

Scrooge Cullen should use Xmas profits to look after the children

The Green Party has challenged Michael Cullen to use the extra $1.1 billion surplus to extend the Government’s Working for Families package to the children of beneficiaries.

The Crown accounts for the seven months to January, which were released today, showed the operating balance surplus had risen to $5.27 billion, $1.1 billion more than Treasury's forecast of $4.1 billion in December.

“Despite making massive surpluses well above budget, Dr Cullen refuses to give beneficiary families the helping hand they deserve,” Green Co-Leader Rod Donald said.

“With the surplus now exceeding all expectations, it’s time Dr Cullen showed some compassion for all the kids who are going to miss out on next month’s tax relief just because their parents rely on the DPB, sickness, or unemployment benefits.”

ENDS

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