Act’s alternative budget takes aim at public debt as well as public servants

Act’s alternative budget takes aim at public debt as well as public servants
Act party leader David Seymour says governments need to show taxpayers some respect. (Image: Getty)
Jem Traylen
The Act party is moderating its tax package in light of the Treasury’s latest forecasts – blaming finance minister Grant Robertson for leaving the cupboard bare.That has only made the party keener to roll back the state, with a $25.5 billion package of spending cuts – about four times the size of what National proposed in its tax plan.Those cuts will fund a tax relief package worth $16b, as well as pay for higher spending on prisons and the defence force.On the latter front, it has also moderated its ambitions &ndash...

More Policy

Govt proposes major council overhaul
Policy

Govt proposes major council overhaul

Regional councillors to be deposed, mayors empowered, and amalgamation put on the table.

Thomas Manch 25 Nov 2025
FIF tax creator says ‘sorry’, but wants deeper reform
Policy

FIF tax creator says ‘sorry’, but wants deeper reform

Economist Peter Wilson says the Government's FIF changes need to go further.

Dileepa Fonseka 25 Nov 2025
Treasury strategist: NZ needs to tax capital income
Policy

Treasury strategist: NZ needs to tax capital income

Struan Little says it’s not a question of whether we should tax capital, but how.

Dileepa Fonseka 21 Nov 2025
The back-to-front ferry deal
Opinion

Pattrick Smellie: The back-to-front ferry deal

Will the wharves be ready when the new ferries arrive?

Pattrick Smellie 20 Nov 2025