Transtasman Political Letter – 16 Feb. Digest

16th February 2006

The Govt squirms as the Nats call on PM to pay back pledge card spending
... PM sticks to the High Road, managing NZ through a dip in the business cycle
... And gives Telecom the message
... Is TVNZ beyond redemption?
… Yes, the Tax Reform will be deep, broad and bold, says Dunne
... It was launched last week, but question marks still hang over the Navy’s MRV
... And highway funding faces a big shortfall.

National Hits A Target, At Last

Despite the noisy bravado on Govt backbenches when Parliament resumed this week, the Opposition scored a palpable hit on the Govt over its election spending.

Fresh Look At Regulatory Frameworks

Helen Clark fired a warning shot at Telecom in her opening statement to Parliament, saying “new initiatives” are needed to get faster internet access at more competitive prices.

Dunne Adamant Major Tax Reform On The Way

While Finance Minister Cullen is hinting changes to personal tax thresholds promised last year may not now happen, Revenue Minister Peter Dunne believes the coded signal he sought to transmit to the business community last week on the work the Govt is doing on tax reform has been misinterpreted.

Massive Shortfall In Highway Funding

Finance Minister Michael Cullen has conceded there could be a massive shortfall in funding for roading in the Auckland region. According to Auckland’s Mayor, Dick Hubbard the shortfall could be in the range of $300m to $600m.

CAPITAL TALK

Lambton Quay strollers are pondering involvement by Fairfax Australian publicists in the company’s handling of NZ reactions to publication of the controversial Muslim cartoons in The Press and Dominion-Post.

Play of the Week: Inquiry Anyone?

Someone shoved some steroids into his corned beef, was the suggestion after National leader Don Brash came out on the attack on Tuesday.

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