Labour delivers on 1 October promises

Prime Minister Helen Clark today welcomed the 1 October tax cuts for all workers, and New Zealand Superannuitants, Working for Families increases, and free off-peak public transport for Super Gold Card holders.

“Today is another example of the Labour-led Government delivering on its promises. The 1 October changes will all make a big difference to many New Zealanders.

“The Labour-led Government is able to cut taxes while maintaining and improving investment in important areas like health and education because we have managed New Zealand’s finances prudently.

“New Zealanders can trust that Labour’s tax cut package is fair, affordable, and realistic, unlike the National Party’s plan to borrow recklessly for tax cuts when international financial markets are in meltdown,“ Helen Clark said.

“The Labour-led Government’s $10.6 billion tax reduction takes effect in three stages, beginning today, and with further reductions on 1 April 2010 and 1 April 2011. At full implementation, workers will get tax cuts of between $1,130 and $2,870 a year, or roughly $22 to $55 a week.

“The Labour-led Government has also brought forward the indexing of Working for Families payments to help families cope with increasing costs. This means that a couple on the average wage with two children will receive more than $30 a week extra from today when Working for Families payment increases are added to their tax cut. This figure increases to more than $60 a week extra by 2011. “Superannuation payments for married couples increase by $45.88 per fortnight and by $23.84 for single people. In addition, subsidies for new hearing aids rise today from $198 to $500.

“From today, around 530,000 SuperGold Card holders can also access free off-peak travel on public transport in most regional councils around the country.

“SuperGold Card holders who show their cards will be able to travel for free on public transport from 9am to 3pm and from 6.30pm onwards on weekdays, and anytime on weekends and public holidays.

“This election is about who New Zealanders can trust. The changes which take effect today show that Labour can be trusted to deliver on its promises and do what is best for the country,” Helen Clark said.

ends

© Scoop Media