Budget Delivers New Zealand First Promises

New Zealand First welcomes the announcements made in Budget 2018 today which begins the process of correcting years of economic and social neglect.

“Six months into the coalition government, we have already introduced a number of changes to make life better for all New Zealanders and this Budget steps up the pace of reform,” says Deputy Leader of New Zealand First Fletcher Tabuteau.

Key New Zealand First wins include:

• The finalisation of the first year’s allocation of the $1 billion per annum Provincial Growth Fund including $245 million to support the Government’s One Billion Trees planting programme

• Extending free GP visits to 14-year-olds and under, and free prescriptions

• $298.8 million in new operating funding for first steps towards the goal of 1800 new officers

• $9.3 million in new operating funding over the next four years to improve our off shore biosecurity systems to better manage the risks posed by imports

• $26.8 million operating funding over four years to double the number of places in the Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) Programme from 800 to 1,600 to invest in training and employment of rangatahi

• $1 billion over four years towards lifting our national investment in research and development to 2 per cent of GDP from 1.3 per cent currently

• A fairer tax system and a crack-down on tax dodgers, forecast to generate an extra $726.3 million in revenue over four years

• Introduction of an independent Climate Commission based on the recommendations of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment

“It’s a proud moment for New Zealand First to have the policies it has fought long and hard for finally see the light of day.

“We are, and will continue to be a strong and stable coalition partner in this government, working in the best interests of New Zealand and New Zealanders.”

ENDS

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