Labour Leader Chris Hipkins has this morning refused to commit to the 50 per cent debt ceiling, just days after his Finance Spokesperson did exactly that, says National Party Finance Spokesperson Nicola Willis.

“It’s hard to know where Labour stands on basically anything, with Chris Hipkins constantly changing position and undermining his own Finance Spokesperson.

“This morning on RNZ, the Labour Leader refused to commit to the same debt ceiling Barbara Edmonds committed to just a few days ago. Even Grant Robertson recognised this was the highest debt should go.

“Labour’s fiscal position is becoming less clear by the day. They’ve opposed every savings measure we’ve undertaken and committed to expensive promises like reinstating locally made school lunches, reinstating half-price public transport and reversing changes to pay equity laws.

“At the same time, they’re claiming they will spend more on health and education and won’t cancel any projects this Government starts, while committing to a debt cap, refusing to commit to a debt cap and declining to tell Kiwis which taxes are on the table.

“Just last week in his pre-budget speech, Hipkins attacked those who argue for a more sensible approach to debt and said we need a ‘more mature conversation about debt.’

“He could start with a conversation with his own caucus about what on earth Labour’s position is. Then he can start being upfront with New Zealanders about exactly how much debt a Labour-Greens-Te Pati Māori Government would take on and which taxes it would hike.”

Notes:

• Barbara Edmonds on the debt cap, May 17, 2025
• Chris Hipkins on the debt cap, May 20, 2025

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