The Green Party says the Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update (PREFU) shows this Government has failed to deliver a resilient economy that works for New Zealanders.
“Luxon’s fiscal hole is in New Zealanders’ wallets, the empty shops in our towns and the gap in action required to meet the climate crisis,” says Green Party Co-leader and Finance spokesperson Chlöe Swarbrick.
“Hope is not a plan, but it’s clear that’s all this Government has as they sit on their hands and hope things get better.”
“We can’t re-open the Strait of Hormuz, but we can decarbonise our economy to reduce our exposure to fossil fuel price shocks.”
“Instead, Luxon has dished out $200 million in taxpayer money to subsidise new fossil fuels, which Treasury has noted could basically amount to just setting money on fire.”
“Treasury warns every single figure in today’s PREFU comes with significant uncertainty. One obvious example is that oil prices today are higher than what Treasury says they peaked at in PREFU.”
“New Zealanders expect a responsible Government to step in and control what we can control. That’s why the Greens have a real economic plan to invest in what is broken, support job creation and reduce our exposure to imported fossil fuel inflation.”
“That plan would make New Zealanders happier, healthier and safer by reducing the cost of living and improving all of our quality of life, building a more resilient country and economy.
“Luxon, on the other hand, has not funded his promised $4.8 billion for new military spending over the next two budgets, while also freezing budgets for our public services. This means if this Government manages to cling to power, there’s far more cuts on the horizon.”
“The Greens will fix the tax system, invest in what matters, and ensure we have an economy that works for all of us,” says Swarbrick.
