“After opposing the ‘Hobbit Law’ for eight years, Labour needs a fourteen-person working group to tell it what its policy should be,” says ACT Leader David Seymour.

“A usually-reliable source informs ACT that, after accounting for fees, flights, and hotel rooms, the working group will cost the taxpayer about $73,000.

“We’re not even 100 days in and already we are seeing a theme – government-by-working group.

“This government has, or will, set up working (or other) groups to look at the Hobbit Law, tax, climate change, child poverty, pay equity and mental health. There will be more to come as the Government tries to compensate for its lack of bench strength.

“I thought the National Party was into political patronage but Labour is clearly enjoying handing out jobs for the boys and girls. Appointing endless committees is a wasteful way to run a government.

“If the Government wants public policy advice, it can come to ACT at any time,” says Mr Seymour.

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