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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.