The Government is calling for submissions on a discussion document which reviews parts of the bail system. We are committed to making the public safe. That’s why we reversed Labour’s 2007 changes which made it easier for people to get bail.
Other aspects of the bail system have been brought to our attention, including whether people charged with serious offences such as murder should be eligible for bail. The Government wants the public’s help to answer these questions. We’ll use public feedback to help develop bail policy that ensures the appropriate balance is struck in bail decisions.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/public-submissions-called-parts-bail-system
Friday, March 18, 2011
National looks to trim local body borrowing costs
A new local government funding agency is being established to reduce borrowing costs for councils. A bill to set the agency up is expected to be introduced to Parliament shortly.
The New Zealand Local Government Funding Agency was an idea that came from the Government's Jobs Summit two years ago. It will operate as a large-scale borrower that will then re-lend to councils. Councils borrowing through the new agency expect to pay lower interest rates than councils borrowing on their own.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-agency-trim-local-body-borrowing-costs
The New Zealand Local Government Funding Agency was an idea that came from the Government's Jobs Summit two years ago. It will operate as a large-scale borrower that will then re-lend to councils. Councils borrowing through the new agency expect to pay lower interest rates than councils borrowing on their own.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-agency-trim-local-body-borrowing-costs
Offender levy exceeds expectations
The Government’s $50 offender levy has reached its first-year target of $2 million nearly five months earlier than expected.
National is committed to putting victims at the heart of the justice system. The offender levy, which was an election promise, funds eight additional entitlements and services for victims of serious crime. This includes help with costs to attend court proceedings, access to trained advisers, and support material.
Since July 2010, all convicted offenders must pay a $50 levy at the time of sentencing. National is addressing the impact of crime on victims. We can’t take away the pain of victims’ loss or injury, but we can help smooth the way.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/offender-levy-collection-rate-exceeds-expectations
National is committed to putting victims at the heart of the justice system. The offender levy, which was an election promise, funds eight additional entitlements and services for victims of serious crime. This includes help with costs to attend court proceedings, access to trained advisers, and support material.
Since July 2010, all convicted offenders must pay a $50 levy at the time of sentencing. National is addressing the impact of crime on victims. We can’t take away the pain of victims’ loss or injury, but we can help smooth the way.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/offender-levy-collection-rate-exceeds-expectations
Focus on reducing debt
The Canterbury earthquakes are likely to slightly delay the return to budget surplus, but it is important the Government gets debt back to pre-earthquake levels to absorb future economic shocks.
In tackling government debt, we had intended to get back to surplus in 2014/15. It now seems more likely that we will return to surplus in 2015/16. Meeting the Government’s share of the immediate earthquake costs will require a bit more debt in the short term, as well as taking a close look at our existing spending priorities.
In preparing for the Budget on 19 May we will make careful decisions about where we prioritise spending. Any changes will ensure that the Government’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable and maintaining public services continues.
We need to press on with our broader economic programme to reduce New Zealand’s vulnerability to foreign lenders, get the Government’s finances in order, and build faster growth based on higher national savings and exports.
Only a strong economy can provide financial security for families, real opportunity for young people, safer communities, and the high-quality education and health services that all New Zealanders need. That is the best way we can help the people of Christchurch.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/surplus-remains-sight-focus-reducing-debt
In tackling government debt, we had intended to get back to surplus in 2014/15. It now seems more likely that we will return to surplus in 2015/16. Meeting the Government’s share of the immediate earthquake costs will require a bit more debt in the short term, as well as taking a close look at our existing spending priorities.
In preparing for the Budget on 19 May we will make careful decisions about where we prioritise spending. Any changes will ensure that the Government’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable and maintaining public services continues.
We need to press on with our broader economic programme to reduce New Zealand’s vulnerability to foreign lenders, get the Government’s finances in order, and build faster growth based on higher national savings and exports.
Only a strong economy can provide financial security for families, real opportunity for young people, safer communities, and the high-quality education and health services that all New Zealanders need. That is the best way we can help the people of Christchurch.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/surplus-remains-sight-focus-reducing-debt
National Memorial Service to remember quake victims
A National Memorial service will be held on March 18 to give people the chance to reflect on the huge impact of the February 22 earthquake. There will be a provincial holiday in Canterbury so people can attend the service.
The service will be at Christchurch’s Hagley Park from 12.45 pm, with two minutes’ silence observed at 12.51 pm. It will be broadcast live nationwide. Prince William will be in attendance, as will Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Leader of the Opposition Tony Abbott and Australian Governor-General Quentin Bryce.
The service will be at Christchurch’s Hagley Park from 12.45 pm, with two minutes’ silence observed at 12.51 pm. It will be broadcast live nationwide. Prince William will be in attendance, as will Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Leader of the Opposition Tony Abbott and Australian Governor-General Quentin Bryce.
Royal Commission of Inquiry into earthquake
There will be a Royal Commission of Inquiry on the Canterbury Earthquake. It will examine issues around the built environment in the Christchurch CBD, including the CTV and PGC buildings. It will also look at the adequacy of building codes and standards into the future.
A technical investigation is already underway by the Department of Building and Housing into the performance of the Canterbury Television, PGC, Forsyth Barr, and Hotel Grand Chancellor buildings. The Royal Commission will take this investigation into account.
An interim report will be made in about six months, including any recommendations that may be relevant to the construction of new buildings in the CBD.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/pm-announces-royal-commission-earthquake
A technical investigation is already underway by the Department of Building and Housing into the performance of the Canterbury Television, PGC, Forsyth Barr, and Hotel Grand Chancellor buildings. The Royal Commission will take this investigation into account.
An interim report will be made in about six months, including any recommendations that may be relevant to the construction of new buildings in the CBD.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/pm-announces-royal-commission-earthquake
Friday, March 11, 2011
Benefit numbers down in February
The number of New Zealanders on a benefit went down by nearly 10,000 during February, to 344,060. There were 3779 fewer on an Unemployment Benefit, half of whom were young people.
It’s a real positive that fewer people are on benefits. Our challenge now is dealing with the effects of the earthquake on unemployment, which are yet to filter through to benefit figures.
Work and Income offices continue to list around 1500 new jobs every week.
More information: http://beehive.govt.nz/release/benefit-numbers-decrease-february
It’s a real positive that fewer people are on benefits. Our challenge now is dealing with the effects of the earthquake on unemployment, which are yet to filter through to benefit figures.
Work and Income offices continue to list around 1500 new jobs every week.
More information: http://beehive.govt.nz/release/benefit-numbers-decrease-february
Ministry merger will cut back-office bureaucracy
The Ministry of Fisheries and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will merge on 1 February 2012.
This will deliver better results by reducing back-office bureaucracy and lowering the cost of delivering government services.
Annual savings from the merger will be at least $10 million, with further savings expected over time through merging corporate administration processes and rationalising accommodation.
We are focused on policies and changes in the State sector that build a stronger economy, focus our resources, and get better results from the public service for New Zealanders.
More information: http://beehive.govt.nz/release/ministry-fisheries-merges-maf
This will deliver better results by reducing back-office bureaucracy and lowering the cost of delivering government services.
Annual savings from the merger will be at least $10 million, with further savings expected over time through merging corporate administration processes and rationalising accommodation.
We are focused on policies and changes in the State sector that build a stronger economy, focus our resources, and get better results from the public service for New Zealanders.
More information: http://beehive.govt.nz/release/ministry-fisheries-merges-maf
Jerry Mateparae welcomed as new Governor-General
The Queen has approved the appointment of Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae to succeed Sir Anand Satyanand as Governor-General of New Zealand.
Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae is a highly regarded leader with a distinguished 38-year military career. He joined the New Zealand Army in 1972, and rose through the ranks, serving and commanding in a wide variety of roles.
Lieutenant General Mateparae will be New Zealand’s 20th Governor-General. He will bring great mana and a wide range of qualities to this role, including judgment, energy, and an enthusiasm for encouraging excellence in others.
More information: http://beehive.govt.nz/release/pm-welcomes-jerry-mateparae-next-governor-general
Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae is a highly regarded leader with a distinguished 38-year military career. He joined the New Zealand Army in 1972, and rose through the ranks, serving and commanding in a wide variety of roles.
Lieutenant General Mateparae will be New Zealand’s 20th Governor-General. He will bring great mana and a wide range of qualities to this role, including judgment, energy, and an enthusiasm for encouraging excellence in others.
More information: http://beehive.govt.nz/release/pm-welcomes-jerry-mateparae-next-governor-general
Ongoing support for Christchurch
The Government’s initial Earthquake Support Package will help people get through the next few weeks while we consider medium-term solutions.
More than 6500 employers have taken up the Earthquake Support Subsidy, helping keep more than 37,000 staff in jobs. More than 3700 people have taken up the Job Loss Cover.
We’ve broadened the criteria for the support package to include large employers, and lengthened the payment period to six weeks. We recognise the widespread impact of the earthquake, and the work that needs to take place.
Civil Defence has paid more than $10 million in emergency payments to cover essentials such as food, clothing, petrol, and accommodation.
More information: http://beehive.govt.nz/release/support-package-provides-much-needed-assistance
More than 6500 employers have taken up the Earthquake Support Subsidy, helping keep more than 37,000 staff in jobs. More than 3700 people have taken up the Job Loss Cover.
We’ve broadened the criteria for the support package to include large employers, and lengthened the payment period to six weeks. We recognise the widespread impact of the earthquake, and the work that needs to take place.
Civil Defence has paid more than $10 million in emergency payments to cover essentials such as food, clothing, petrol, and accommodation.
More information: http://beehive.govt.nz/release/support-package-provides-much-needed-assistance
Stronger economy will help Christchurch
Helping support and rebuild Christchurch is among the most important things the Government will do this year, and into the future.
Treasury has provided a preliminary assessment of the earthquake's economic impact, and it is clear it will affect our economy and the Government's books significantly, through both increased costs, and reduced tax revenue.
The Government will balance these costs through a combination of a bit more debt in the short term, and taking a close look at our existing spending priorities. We will work through these issues carefully as we prepare for the 19 May Budget.
The earthquake has made it more important to press ahead with National’s policies to build a faster growing economy based on savings, exports, and productive investment. Building a stronger national economy, more jobs, and higher incomes is the best way we can help the people of Christchurch.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/feature/briefing-costs-earthquake-recovery
Treasury has provided a preliminary assessment of the earthquake's economic impact, and it is clear it will affect our economy and the Government's books significantly, through both increased costs, and reduced tax revenue.
The Government will balance these costs through a combination of a bit more debt in the short term, and taking a close look at our existing spending priorities. We will work through these issues carefully as we prepare for the 19 May Budget.
The earthquake has made it more important to press ahead with National’s policies to build a faster growing economy based on savings, exports, and productive investment. Building a stronger national economy, more jobs, and higher incomes is the best way we can help the people of Christchurch.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/feature/briefing-costs-earthquake-recovery
National Memorial Service to remember those affected
A national memorial service will be held on 18 March to allow people the chance to reflect on the huge impact of the 22 February earthquake. There will be a provincial holiday in Canterbury so people can attend the service if they wish. Legislation has been passed to make this possible.
The service will be at Christchurch’s Hagley Park from 12.45 pm, with two minutes silence observed at 12.51 pm. This is an opportunity for the people of Christchurch to mourn together, and celebrate the lives of those who have been lost.
Prince William will attend the memorial service and also visit the families of those killed in the Pike River coal mine tragedy.
More information: http://beehive.govt.nz/release/national-memorial-service-planned-christchurch
The service will be at Christchurch’s Hagley Park from 12.45 pm, with two minutes silence observed at 12.51 pm. This is an opportunity for the people of Christchurch to mourn together, and celebrate the lives of those who have been lost.
Prince William will attend the memorial service and also visit the families of those killed in the Pike River coal mine tragedy.
More information: http://beehive.govt.nz/release/national-memorial-service-planned-christchurch
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
