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Todd Talks |
Last week we learnt that thousands of New Zealanders should have been able to return home from November, but due to a recently-revealed decision by government to ignore health advice, the cruel lottery system remained for 15 more weeks.
During this time, many constituents contacted me for assistance but there was no kindness from the Government, just declined requests for emergency slots. These constituents were trapped off-shore for months, some having their Superannuation payments ceased or even having to repay Super; others unable to be at the bedsides of dying relatives. It is a kick in the guts to learn there was no valid health reason for locking them out.
Next month we will hear the 2022 Budget. A $6b increase in spending has been signalled. This is a time for fiscal prudence, a time to rein in public spending and mitigate skyrocketing inflation. The Finance Minister should be reducing bureaucracy so businesses can increase productivity, helping to get our cost of living back to a bearable level.
Since 2017 rents are up $150 a week; in the Bay of Plenty, TradeMe reports a nine per cent jump in the past year, with median weekly rent now $600.
With the silent thief of inflation taking more money from our income each month, we deserve a government that can manage our economy effectively.
We have an excellent opportunity to hear the Opposition's response to this year's Budget, with Nicola Willis, Opposition Deputy Leader and Finance Spokesperson, to address a lunch meeting on Monday, May 23. To book your place, visit https://bit.ly/38maYwO. I hope to see you there.
