While the National Party talks about fiscal responsibility, their actions continue to heap more costs and produce less benefits for New Zealanders, says the Green Party.
“Luxon wants us arguing about fiscal metrics because he doesn’t want to talk about his record: the highest unemployment in 11 years, small businesses closing their doors every week, and young New Zealanders leaving in search of a better life in a different country under a different Government," says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.
“Headline figures are meaningless if people’s lives are going backwards. Reducing the Government’s debt and expenditure through merciless cuts only increases New Zealanders’ debt and cost of living.”
“Luxon’s cuts so far have resulted in higher prescription fees, higher public transport costs, higher road user charges, higher rates bills and a higher cost of living. These things make the Government’s books look better, but life harder for working people.”
“Not all Government debt nor spending is created equal. When Nicola Willis took on $3 billion more in debt to pay for landlord tax cuts, she created no new jobs and no greater productivity.”
“That’s a very different prospect to $3 billion the Greens would invest in renewable energy generation, lowering power bills, keeping and creating jobs here and reducing our exposure to fossil fuel inflation.”
“New Zealanders deserve a Government that takes real responsibility, and invests to increase our prosperity, sustainability and productivity."
"We can lower the cost of living and climate changing emissions while improving New Zealanders’ quality of life. The Greens have the plan and will take on the responsibility to do it,” says Swarbrick.