Kia ora John –
Around the country, Labour MPs have been out meeting with communities to discuss the impact of National’s first Budget. People have shared concerns about cuts to public services – from public housing to universal free prescriptions, half-price public transport to climate action. Here are some of the key issues you’d like to see addressed.
Cost of living and inequality on the rise
“I'd rather the money went to prescriptions, kids’ lunches or health. Anything but pointless token tax cuts that we pay for” – Tony, Wairarapa
People are struggling to meet their basic needs and can see that those around them are too. They are concerned National has no plan to lower the cost of living, with rents and unemployment expected to rise, and with thousands losing their jobs and income as a direct result of the National Government’s choices. Those on the lowest incomes will benefit the least from this Budget, with thousands being left worse off and child poverty projected to increase.
Meanwhile, more evidence has come to light showing that the National Government knew how harmful cutting funding for the Ka Ora, Ka Ako <[link removed]> healthy school lunch programme would be – and chose to whittle it down anyway. Some schools aren’t able to deliver the programme <[link removed]>, while some have been forced to turn healthy, hot meals into a pre-packaged snack.
Healthcare becoming less accessible
“We will be getting tax back each fortnight, but we won’t see it as it will now pay for my family's medications. They have given in one hand, and taken away with the other” – Marie, Masterton
The state of our health system has left people worried for the health of their families and loved ones. There is also a critical lack of funding for mental health services. National promised to fund new cancer treatments and then chose not to – a move described by many as “cruel”. Patients have been forced to spend thousands each month to pay for their own treatments out of pocket. It’s time for the National Government to fulfil its promise to those who are most in need.
Less affordable and public housing
“The housing crisis affects so many, leaving people like us uncertain about our future” – Rosa, Wellington
National’s abrupt axing of the First Home Buyer Grant has left many in the lurch, with some having to save for months longer than planned to make up for it. National also cut more than $1.5 billion of support for public housing <[link removed]>, including Māori housing development and youth transitional housing. Meanwhile, National has gifted $2.9 billion to landlords through changes to interest deductibility.
Cuts to climate action
“I think it's going to take our country back so many years, it just doesn't seem to care for our people or our environment” – Bronwyn, Northland
People have been shocked to see action and research on climate change slashed, which leaves us all vulnerable. Meanwhile, thousands of people have written and marched to oppose National’s incredibly unpopular Fast Track legislation <[link removed]>, which could put our native species and their habitats at risk.
Labour will continue listening to what matters most to New Zealanders and holding the Government to account for the reckless decisions they’ve made in Budget 24.
Chris Hipkins, Labour Leader
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Authorised by Rob Salmond, 187 Featherston St, Wellington.
