Lifting student achievement

Despite tight economic times, National is increasing spending on education for the fourth budget in a row.  We are investing an extra $512 million over the next four years.

We want all our kids to be leaving school with the skills they need to reach their potential in the modern economy. 

At the moment, four out of five of our kids are successful in our education system. National’s plan is for five out of five.

We will invest more into teaching development, collaborate on an appraisal system, provide stronger mentoring, and introduce new qualifications for teachers and principals.

Funding ratios will remain the same for new entrants at one teacher to 15 pupils. In the crucial NCEA years 11-13 the ratios will standardise to 1:17.3 – which is almost the lowest point of what they are now. In years 2-10 the funding ratio will standardise to 1:27.5 from the existing range of 1:23 to 1:29. This will free up just over $43 million, on average, in each of the next four years.

Our changes are about better teaching not more teachers.

For more information, click here.

National building on record achievements in health

As part of National’s commitment to deliver better public services while responsibly managing the Government’s finances we announced a $101 million boost in funding for surgery and cancer services this week.

We are investing $48 million to further increase record numbers of elective operations by at least 4000 a year. We are also investing in faster services for cancer patients and reduced wait times for MRI scans, CT scans, and other important diagnostic tests. 

To help meet cost pressures and fund new initiatives the Government will increase prescription charges from $3 to $5.  This is the first increase in 20 years, and no person or family will pay more than an extra $40 a year for their prescription items. 

For more information, visit:

http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=38486

http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=38485

Improving the lives of people with disabilities

National is committed to helping disabled people achieve greater independence and lead better lives in their communities.  This week we announced $144 million in initiatives for disabled people. 

These initiatives include $54.7 million over four years for more home and community support, ensuring more people with disabilities get the care they need within the community, rather than having to enter residential care.

We are also boosting funding for cochlear implants, supports like hearing aids and wheelchair access, and ensuring that residential support is available for those who need it. 

National has modernised disability support and has given disabled people much greater say on how their funding is used.  There are now 1300 disabled people who can choose how, what, and who supports them.

For more information, click here. 

Canterbury recovery on track

Supporting the rebuild of Christchurch is one of National’s four priorities for this term.

The Government will have spent $2.45 billion of the $5.5 billion Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Fund this financial year on important rebuild and recovery initiatives in the region.

We expect to spend another $2.17 billion in the coming financial year from the fund as the repair and replacement of damaged infrastructure – drinking water, waste water, storm water, and roads – ramps up.

We’re building new infrastructure to support the growth of greater Christchurch, including services for 1400 sections in Halswell which had the consent process fast-tracked. So far, 150 sections have been sold and house construction will begin in July.

For more information, click here. 

More than 150,000 homes warmer and drier

This week marked the 150,000th home to be insulated under the Government’s Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart programme. 

Heat Smart is making a real difference – about 450,000 New Zealanders are living warmer and healthier lives.  The programme helps fund ceiling and underfloor insulation in homes built before 2000.

Insulated homes are easier to heat and keep at healthy temperatures.  Healthy temperatures mean fewer doctors’ visits and less time off work and school. 

Delivering better public services is one of National’s four key priorities and helping New Zealanders to be warmer and healthier in their own homes is a vital part of this.

For more information, click here.

Welfare investment to reduce long-term dependency

National is allocating $287.5 million over the next four years for the first phase of the Government’s welfare reforms. Providing this up-front investment will support young New Zealanders off welfare and into work, helping to save taxpayers $1 billion over the next four years.

National’s reforms are focused firmly on reducing the long-term social and financial costs of welfare dependency. This will help to build a more productive economy.

We’ve made a commitment to provide investment to ensure that fewer people are on welfare long-term. This spending is focused youth services, which includes intensive case management and individual wrap-around support. We’ve got to ensure these young people, are in education, training, or work-based learning, so they can build brighter futures.

For more information, click here.

Stronger bail laws to protect communities

New Zealanders deserve to feel safe in their homes and communities. National’s bill to strengthen bail laws and improve public safety has now had its first reading in Parliament.

The Bail Amendment Bill makes it harder for people accused of serious crimes to get bail, and improves the integrity and operational effectiveness of our bail system.

The bill achieves the right balance between the public’s right to safety, and the right of alleged offenders to be considered innocent until proven guilty.

National is building a safer New Zealand by delivering better public services to protect our communities, and put victims at the heart of our justice system.

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$60 million saved with mobile service contracts

National expects the government to save about $60 million over the next five years after signing all-of-government procurement contracts for mobile, voice, and data services. These contracts cover all voice minutes and data used on mobile phones held by government employees.

The new contracts are part of our ongoing procurement reform programme, which is making government buying as efficient as possible and reducing cost. The programme includes all public sector agencies, councils, and up to 2500 schools.

The latest contracts mean we are on track to achieve a total saving to the Government and taxpayers of $350 million.

Each dollar saved can be reinvested in improving public services and essential infrastructure in order to help grow the economy.

For more information, click here.

Tackling rheumatic fever

This week the Government announced we are doubling our spending in Budget 2012 from $12 million to $24 million, to significantly reduce rheumatic fever in vulnerable communities. This is targeting 35,000 at-risk children in seven regions across the country.

Rheumatic fever is an entirely preventable third-world disease that can have serious consequences for children throughout their lives. Tackling this disease is a key part of the Prime Minister’s better public service challenge.

National is growing and protecting our public health service. We have invested an extra $1.5 billion into health over three years. There are an extra 800 doctors and 2000 extra nurses in our district health boards, we’re delivering record results in elective surgery and immunisations, and we’ve reduced waiting times at emergency departments and for cancer radiation treatment.

For more information, click here.

Christchurch education renewal programme released for consultation

National has taken another step in our plan to rebuild Christchurch.

A draft programme has been released to guide the renewal of the education network in greater Christchurch following the earthquakes.

Given the significant damage and population movement, the sector cannot be returned to how it was. However, this means we’ve had an opportunity to address inequalities and create a locally relevant, best practice education system. It will equip learners with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the 21st century.

The programme also puts emphasis on the relationship between education and the regional economy. Tertiary education will play a key role, providing the skills and knowledge needed to help get Christchurch back on its feet.

The proposal is online: www.shapingeducation.minedu.govt.nz. Submissions close 31 May.

For more information, click here.

Budget will show National on track

This month’s Budget will show the Government is on track.

In a pre-Budget speech Prime Minister John Key reiterated that National’s responsible economic management means the Government’s books are set to be in the black in 2014/15, the first time since the global financial crisis and worldwide recession.

Returning to surplus means we can start reducing debt. That is no small achievement. It has taken a combination of disciplined fiscal policy, and a willingness to make trade-offs. We have a plan to rebuild and strengthen the country, we are sticking to it, and it is working.

For more information, click here. 

Stronger fiscal responsibility

National will strengthen the Public Finance Act so there are more checks and balances on Government spending decisions, and how they affect future generations.

The Government is also proposing to cap spending increases to the level of inflation and population growth as a new principle of responsible fiscal management.

In times of surplus, governments come under pressure to increase spending, which can put extra pressure on the economy, leading to higher inflation, higher interest rates, and a higher exchange rate. This is bad for exports and jobs.

For more information see:

Public Finance Act changes

Finance Minister pre-Budget speech

Government website launched for share offers

A website to provide New Zealanders with information about the Government’s mixed ownership programme has been launched.

The website, www.governmentshareoffers.govt.nz, gives New Zealanders information about the proposal to sell up to 49 per cent of four State Owned Enterprises –  Mighty River Power, Genesis Energy, Meridian, Solid Energy – and a further stake in Air New Zealand.

The website provides information about the share offer programme including what mixed ownership means, why the Government is undertaking the programme, and how a public share offer works.

The Government expects to receive $5 billion to $7 billion in proceeds. This will help control debt and allow us to invest in new infrastructure, such as schools.

For more information, click here. 

Deterring people smuggling

National is taking a firm stance on illegal immigration ventures and people smuggling.  An attempt to illegally arrive in New Zealand by sea would be dangerous, and would put the lives of those involved at great risk.  We want to discourage anyone from taking that risk. 

Equally, we believe queue jumpers should not be able to push in front of genuinely needy refugees. 

The Immigration Amendment Bill, which had its first reading in the House this week, sends a strong message that New Zealand is not a soft touch.  There are formal, transparent, and well-established processes by which people can, and should, seek to reside in New Zealand as refugees or asylum-seekers. 

The Government remains committed to upholding our international good citizen obligations through the refugee quota and the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 (BORA).

For more information, click here.

Better information sharing to stop welfare fraud

National is expanding information sharing between Inland Revenue and the Ministry of Social Development to deliver better public services.

From the middle of this year, relevant client information will be shared automatically, rather than being provided on specific request, as happens now.

Last year fraudsters stole $22 million, and 658 people were prosecuted for benefit fraud. It is vital we stop these criminals as quickly as possible. Enhancing information sharing between government agencies is the next step to deliver on National’s commitment to crack down on welfare fraud.

For more information, click here.