Amy Adams - Finance

10 May 2018

The Finance Minister is already reduced to re-announcing five month old news in his major pre-Budget speech this morning, National’s Finance Spokesperson Amy Adams says.

“Grant Robertson’s key announcement today was exactly what he told us at his half-yearly update in December, namely that there would be a $42 billion capital spend over the next five years.

“It’s bizarre that he has absolutely nothing new to say in the pre-budget announcement for his first budget.

“What this number means in reality is that the Government will be racking up a further $10 billion of debt on behalf of New Zealanders despite having inherited a strong economy and growing surpluses.

“Business confidence is low with exporters and employers worried about the direction the Ardern-Peters Government is taking New Zealand in. This was Grant Robertson’s opportunity to reassure business leaders about his plan for New Zealand’s future economic growth. Instead he has re-heated five month old news.

“This Government is spending more, borrowing more and taxing people more, yet he has laid out no plans for how New Zealand can earn more.

“Actually they are pulling the handbrake on growth by attacking the regions, key industries like oil and gas, and our farmers.

“Surely New Zealanders deserve better than repeating five month old news.”

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