BUDGET 2018: Robertson finds $24B extra spending, as robust economy drives higher tax take

BUDGET 2018: Robertson finds $24B extra spending, as robust economy drives higher tax take
Jonathan Underhill
By Jonathan Underhill May 17 (BusinessDesk) - Finance Minister Grant Robertson has found an extra $24 billion to spend over the next four years by taking in more tax, reprioritising existing expenses, and thanks to delaying the previous government's debt reduction target by two years. The biggest share of the forecast increase in operating and capital spending over the next four years – 38 percent – comes from what Robertson calls “a responsible debt reduction track” announced as part of the government's election policy platform last year...