PM's Post-Cabinet Press Conference Monday, 08 August 2011
Scoop Video + Audio + Photos: Press conference held after today's cabinet meeting - Monday, 08 August 2011
By Alastair Thompson & Reesh Lyon
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Prime Minister John Key faces the cameras See more images below
Prime Minster John Key's Post Cabinet Press Conference
The PM covered subjects including:
-
Share Market Activity: Volatility "unwelcome." New
Zealanders should take comfort from fact that NZ is in
better position than other nations. The PM hails his
Government's policies as the reason for NZ's economic
strength.
- Welfare Reforms: PM says benefit
changes encourage people who can work to get off the
benefit. Changes to the DPB and introduction of annual
reviews of benefits are showing signs of success. PM
provides figures showing 7400 hundred people are now off
benefits, with more than $6 million saved. Also says 1600
more DPB recipients are in part-time work.
- Weekly
Diary: including meeting Tongan PM and attending the
Pacific Youth Awards.
Mr Key then answered questions on subjects including:
- Welfare changes: says
taxpayers have saved "the better part of about ten million
dollars to fund these people."
- Milk Prices: will
be taking the question of whether to have an inquiry into
milk prices to caucus tomorrow. Mr Key believes the party is
leaning towards having Parliament hold a select committee
inquiry. It will need the support of other parties and terms
of reference will need to be drawn up before any inquiry
gets underway. Mr Key says it is important consumers have
confidence in milk prices.
- SIS & Warren Tucker:
PM says its "unfortunate" that there is a perception that
the role of the SIS chief has been politicised. He still
stands by Mr Tucker's recollection of briefing Phil Goff on
the investigation into alleged Israeli spies. Mr Tucker was
happy for Mr Key to state in the House that Mr Goff had been
briefed on the matter. Mr Key says there has been no leaking
of information from the SIS "to the best of my knowledge."
Mr Key believes any information obtained by blogger Cameron
Slater was through legitimate OIA processes. All SIS
decisions were made from the agency's own legal advice.
-
Nancy Wake: PM says it's not possible to give
posthumous awards for bravery. She had received awards, just
not in New Zealand.
- Global Economy + Standard &
Poors advice: overall, Treasury's growth forecast puts
New Zealand in "middle of the pack" economically. Mr Key
stands by his Government's course of action over the
economy. Dedicated to keeping debt levels under 30% of GDP.
Not looking to have added stimulation. There is "still room
in terms of monetary policy" The high exchange rate also
gives the Government some flexibility. PM adamant the
Government is still of the right path. Can expect KiwiSaver
funds to have "taken a hit" in past few days but overall the
equity markets are doing "reasonably well." Standard and
Poors are telling the US they "need to take their medicine."
PM says he's less pessimistic about the situation now than
he was in 2008.
- Conservative Party: PM says he
has had discussions with Colin Craig. Hypothetically the
Government would be willing to do a deal with the
Conservatives, should they get elected - though he says
that's unlikely.
- CERA Review Panel: says
panelists were picked on merit. Recalls Gerry Brownlee
saying it'd be difficult to get the right people on board
with the pay rates offered.
- Employment Law: says
Government polices have set the country up for strength in
tough economic times.
- Birthday Plans: dinner
with wife and kids and jokes about getting gifts from
media.
DOWNLOAD MP3
- Scoop Video (37 Minutes in four parts): Youtube Video on demand of Prime Minister John Key's press conference today.
Initial Statement And Diary
Q&A Welfare
and Milk
Q&A SIS,
Slatergate & Global Financial Crisis
Q &A No
More On SIS, GFC & Birthday
- Scoop Image:More images from today's PM's press conference.
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