Jacinda Ardern
Today, we make a systemic change. This Budget acknowledges the work of the Welfare Expert Advisory group but also the long-standing campaign of many advocates by indexing benefits to wage increases. We already CPI adjust, but that hasn’t stopped families falling further and further into poverty. Both Governments know this has been an issue – that in part was why the last Government gave a one-off benefit increase. But now is the time to make a long-term change that while modest this year, will make a significant long-term difference to relieving a major stress on low-income households.
All about priorities
There is so much more to say about this Budget – but one message I want to repeat is this. I have always said that politics is all about priorities. You have a limited budget and you have to try and balance the need to grow the economy, create jobs, balance the books, and look after our people and our environment. This Budget shows that you can do all of those things.
Jacinda Ardern is the Prime Minister of New Zealand. The above is a very small extract of her speech at the Budget Session of Parliament on Thursday, May 30, 2019. For full text of the above article, please visit www.indiannewslink.co.nz.
