14 December 2004

Record Surplus Benefits Foreign Investors - Peters

The release today of the government’s financial statements for the past six months highlight its failings to run the economy for ordinary New Zealanders, said the Rt Hon Winston Peters.

“How can a government which is running such high surpluses fail in its most fundamental duty of providing adequate social services and a decent standard of living for many of its citizens?” asked Mr Peters.

“The Finance Minister’s own figures show that real incomes are not increasing, that there are looming disasters in our health and education systems and all the while he irresponsibly cries ‘all is well’.

“Sadly, the gap between the rich and the poor continues to grow, with those on fixed incomes, particularly senior citizens, being forced to eke out a meagre existence, while foreign owners and a few Kiwi fat cats continue to take all of the cream for themselves.

“This government should act immediately to raise the base rate of superannuation, the minimum wage and spend more on health, education and social services, which are slipping to third world standards.

“It is not good enough for this government to crow about its economic achievements while it turns New Zealanders into cheap labour for foreign investors and sends old people to poor houses.

“This is a country in which a TV front person gets $16,000 a week and an old person $250 a week,” said Mr Peters.

“Michael Joseph Savage will be spinning in his grave.”

ENDS

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