The National Party is working hard to build a stronger economy.
I am proud to be part of a Government that is delivering on its promise to New Zealanders.
Finance Minister and my colleague Bill English will deliver National’s third Budget.
This time last year, National announced our highly successful Tax Switch Policy, as a part of Budget 2010. Our across-the-board personal tax cuts mean that 73% of earners in New Zealand now pay no more than 17.5% tax.
That is great news for everyone.
National is working hard to deliver higher wages and better jobs for all New Zealand families.
Another important change in our major tax reform package came into effect on April 1, 2011, with Company Tax cut to 28% from 30%, lower than Australia’s Business Tax.
This improves our country’s competitiveness and increases incentives for businesses to reinvest earnings back into jobs and growth.
Going forward, this year’s Budget will be about boosting savings and investment.
It is important that we press on with our economic programme to achieve stronger growth.
Budget 2011, which will be delivered on May 19, will be a balanced and responsible Budget for the times.
I know that New Zealanders understand the challenges we face.
They are supporting the Government’s direction to be more sensible and disciplined because it is what they are doing themselves.
In the Budget, National will restrain new spending and prioritise it towards Health, Education and Justice.
The challenge now is to build confidence and get on with building a faster-growing economy.
The next year or two will be about getting out of a survival mentality and into growth mode.
That is the only way we can create jobs, boost incomes, and provide the public services you and your family deserve.
Dr Cam Calder is Member of Parliament on National List at the Manurewa (Auckland) Constituency.
