Poll Shows Voters Not Fooled

Wednesday 2 June 2004

Richard Prebble - Press Releases - Economy

ACT Leader Richard Prebble said he was not surprised that the budget had failed to lift Labour's poll rating, and in fact, "I predicted it".

"The politics of redistribution, while loved by the misery industry, are not supported by the public for very good reasons. Most people on benefits are planning to get off and approximately a third do every year - so beneficiaries are not grateful for the budget handouts - they don't expect to be on the benefit by the time the money arrives", Mr Prebble said.

"Working families are also not grateful for the budget. Most working households with children miss out and the rest want to know why they have to wait three years.

"The government loses the rest of us because four out of five households miss out completely.

"Perhaps the most telling for the government is that it has lost its moral authority. New Zealanders do not like partisan party politics in budgets. This budget makes no attempt at fairness and openly seeks to reward Labour's traditional supporters at the expense of those who traditionally do not vote Labour.

"The budget documents admit that this redistribution won't help investment and growth and the public opinion polls show that it won't help Labour electorally", said Mr Prebble.

ENDS

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