Throwing a massive $140 million at the arts calls into question the priorities of the Labour/Alliance Government which claims its policies will close the gaps between low income New Zealanders and the wealthy, according to ACT Culture and Heritage spokesman Penny Webster.

Penny Webster said today’s announcement by the Prime Minister would be a blow to low income families in the same week they have seen around $30 stripped from their weekly budgets through the Government’s hike in cigarette prices, interest rate and petrol price rises.

Penny Webster said that while our national culture should be celebrated and supported, today’s windfall for Arts, Culture and Heritage was beyond even the wildest dreams of those involved in the sector.

“Businesses who are this week gloomy about their future under the Labour/Alliance Government will also be questioning the Government’s spending priorities. Businesses will be asking why the Government is taking increased taxes that could be creating real jobs to pay for the Prime Minister’s past times of going to the orchestra, the art gallery and the ballet.

“Helen Clark must question whether she wants her reign as Prime Minister to be remembered for benefiting the whole nation, or just a lucky few,” said Penny Webster.

ENDS

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