Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

Working people carrying the can for the Government

Grant Robertson
MP for Wellington Central
Finance Spokesperson


13 October 2016

Working people carrying the can for the Government

Today’s announcement of a Government operating surplus is the result of the hard work of many Kiwi businesses and workers, who will be asking themselves if they are receiving their fair share of growth in the economy, Grant Robertson Labour Finance Spokesperson said.

“Getting an operating surplus is a basic fundamental in our economy, and New Zealanders from all walks of life who have put in the long hours and the hard work to get there will be pleased to see it.

“Those same people will also be asking whether the benefits of that economic growth are being fairly shared. It is all well and good to be pleased about a surplus, but when there are children living in cars and garages, older New Zealanders in pain waiting for operations, and school funding going backwards, the Government needs to take a long hard look at their priorities.

“Families and working people across New Zealand are carrying the weight of these results. Household debt to income ratios are the highest they have ever been and wages are stagnant, with more than two-thirds of working people getting less than a 2 per cent pay increase last year.

“The Government’s own debt has spiralled, and Bill English admitted this week that not a single cent of net debt has been paid off on his watch.

“Before the Government gets too carried away with self-congratulation, Bill English needs to front up about his incompetent and irresponsible management of Housing New Zealand - that sees it nearly broke when there is an urgent need for more social housing.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“ These accounts show that while the hard work of New Zealanders is paying off, the overall net worth of the government has fallen since 2008 and debt is higher than forecast. Labour believes New Zealand needs an economic plan that creates long term and sustainable growth. New Zealand at its best will build an innovative and sustainable economy delivering high wage jobs. That will take real investment - not just National’s failed borrowing and hoping approach.” Grant Robertson said.

ends

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.