Greens agnostic on Budget
Rod Donald MP, Green Party Co-Leader

19th May 2005

The Greens are giving the Labour Government’s Budget both bouquets and brickbats.

“We’ve been calling for some time for initiatives to help Kiwis buy their own home and save for their retirement and this Budget deserves praise for following our advice,” Green Co-Leader Rod Donald said.

“However, we’re also concerned that the Budget doesn’t do enough to help low-income Kiwis and young people, future-proof the economy, or encourage more environmentally-friendly business and living.

“In particular, we’ve concerned that all the new transport money in this Budget is earmarked for speeding up new roading projects. This suggests the Government is taking advice from Dr Brash as well,” Mr Donald said.

“There’s nothing significant or new in this Budget to tackle the gravest environmental challenges facing New Zealand: peak oil and climate change. Notwithstanding the carbon tax announced earlier this month, the environment barely rates a mention in the Budget.”

Mr Donald said the Greens would be abstaining on Budget 2005.

“This Budget shows that Labour’s not a lost cause,” Mr Donald said. “It just needs the vision and resolve that only a Green presence in government would bring.

“We’ll be abstaining on this Budget, after having voted against Dr Cullen’s last two budgets. Our abstention is in line with our 2002 election commitment not to support Labour on confidence and supply in this term because it lifted the GE moratorium.

“We look forward to ensuring that next year’s budget gives Kiwis – both the feathered and human species – the futures they deserve.”

ENDS

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