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

Auckland Council proposes downzoning 12,000 properties
Policy

Auckland Council proposes downzoning 12,000 properties

The council is also proposing to enable 10-15 storey apartments around more than 40 hubs.

New rules to press gentailers on ‘super-peak’ price relief
Policy

New rules to press gentailers on ‘super-peak’ price relief

Mandatory non-discrimination rules are coming for power sales to rivals.

Pattrick Smellie 18 Aug 2025
Port of Tauranga gets expert panel for Stella Passage
Policy

Port of Tauranga gets expert panel for Stella Passage

A decision on the major wharf upgrade isn't expected until next year.

Oliver Lewis 15 Aug 2025
'Shared disappointment' over courthouses PPP snub
Policy

'Shared disappointment' over courthouses PPP snub

The Government promoted the project to international investors, but didn't fund it.

Oliver Lewis 08 Aug 2025