John Key MP National Party Finance Spokesman

20 October 2005

Rich irony in razor gang plans

"The PSA and the Greens now have something in common - they both know what it feels like to be shafted by the Clark/Peters Government," says National Party Finance spokesman John Key.

He is referring to the move by Helen Clark to set up a razor gang of senior ministers to cut state sector spending.

"The PSA invested heavily in a campaign against National during the election. Now it's finding out just how trustworthy its so-called mates really are.

"Throughout the election campaign Labour refused to be honest and upfront about the impact of its spending.

"And even today, Helen Clark and Michael Cullen are still speaking at cross purposes over the depth of the planned cuts.

"While the Prime Minister is today denying there'll be significant cuts, Michael Cullen has failed to quash rumours from earlier this year that savings in the order of $400 million are being considered.

"Treasury warned months ago that the taxpayer was carrying a bloated public service. Productivity and waste were also identified as public sector issues.

"At best, Labour has been in denial. At worst they have set out to deliberately deceive us all about the impact of their spending.

"The public of New Zealand, particularly members of the PSA, should remember this dishonesty," says Mr Key.

ENDS

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