Media Release
19 May 2011

No highlights in today’s Budget

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) believes today’s budget will widen the gap between rich and poor in New Zealand.

“Already, one in four New Zealand children live in poverty. This zero budget means more New Zealand children will fall below the poverty line and fewer will be able to participate fully in society. The negative effects of this budget on health will be felt most strongly by Maori and Pacific people, whose health outcomes are already far worse than those of other New Zealanders. Is that really what our country wants? A healthy New Zealand must have a strong health service and a more equal society. The more equal our society is, the healthier we will all be,” says NZNO CEO Geoff Annals.

“We need braver, more courageous, positive actions from Government. We need to see new money invested to create a higher wage economy and in key areas of the health sector, such as residential aged care and Maori and Pacific health.”

“NZNO advocates for a health system where our health workforce is used wisely, health issues are identified early and everybody in New Zealand gets the care they need, when they need it. Unfortunately, judging by this budget, the Government doesn’t agree. It has tinkered around the edges of an insufficient health budget, slashing some areas to apply a band aid in another.”

“At a time when we know we need investment in jobs, health and education, the Government seems to be working towards a future where only the privileged are able to access even the most basic health and education,” Annals says.

ENDS

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