Nationals take on the budget, and I know they are correct.
Yesterday the Labour-led Government delivered Budget 2019, and behind all the hype and well-being spin, it’s the same old Labour Party.
Tax, borrow, spend and hope. You just can’t trust them with your money.
Don’t get me wrong, there are a few things in the Budget I can whole-heartedly support. Mental Health is an issue I care deeply about, and we need to get beyond the politics and deliver for the people that need it most. Housing First is also something I support - it was National that started it and good to see the program getting further investment.
But what about the hardworking teachers, health services, housing reform, education and the economy – nothing but barely keeping the lights on. Hardly transformational.
What Kiwis are now seeing is the stone-cold reality of a Labour-led Government, a party that used to represent the interests of those that work hard and want to get ahead, now representing those who don’t work at all.
Let’s break their botched budget down:
Economic Growth – 4% to 2.6%
Debt up by $17 billion
Jobs – from +10,000 a month, to now -4,000 this year
13,000 more beneficiaries
Hardship grants up $48m in a year
Emergency housing need has tripled – and KiwiBuild not mentioned even once
Rents up - $50 per week
Fuel up – 6 month high – now over $2.20 a litre
Electricity prices going up
Health funding not keeping up with demand – surgeries decreasing
No meaningful increase in funding for essential drugs to save lives – no cancer drugs
Average Kiwis are being squeezed and let down by this Government. Glossy pictures and talk of wellbeing don’t pay the bills, and no amount of good intentions will fill your car up with gas.
The Budget has shown the economy is sharply declining and the Government still has no plan to deliver the economic growth required to pay for their promises.
A National Government that I lead would prioritise Health, Education, Infrastructure and let Kiwi families keep more of what they earn.
New Zealand needs real leadership, everyday Kiwis need a champion, and the economy needs an actual plan.
In less than 18 months there will be a General Election. I’m ambitious for New Zealand and we’ll be ready to go from day one.
I’m counting on your support.
Regards
Simon
Simon Bridges
Leader
