Business of Government: Peter Hughes' legacy, cost recovery headaches, and more...

Business of Government: Peter Hughes' legacy, cost recovery headaches, and more...
Watch out consultants: political parties are looking at you. (Image: Getty)
Jem Traylen
Battle lines being drawn over the size of the public serviceThis week, both major parties are drawing lines in the sand over the size of the public sector. On Monday, we heard from Labour, which laid down the challenge to other parties over what could be afforded from the diminishing tax take without cutting public services and benefits. Later this week, we're assured we will hear how National will pay for their tax cuts – which are estimated to cost $11 billion over four years.Both sides have contractors and consultants firmly i...

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