Why doesn’t the Treasury just do its own costings on election promises?

Why doesn’t the Treasury just do its own costings on election promises?
Michael Cullen accused then-minister of finance Ruth Richardson of releasing a “screed of lies”. (Image: Getty)
Jem Traylen
Arguments over the cost of National’s election promises dominated the first few weeks of the campaign. With both main parties releasing their fiscal packages this week, that is probably just an entrée for what will come.So, why can’t we rely on the experts at the Treasury to shed some light on all this policy costing palaver?For the answer, we need to flashback to the 1993 election when it was Labour’s policy costings that everyone was arguing about.At that time, the Treasury did provide costings of election promises wh...

More Policy

NZ's space sector revenue grows over 50% in five years
Policy

NZ's space sector revenue grows over 50% in five years

Advanced aviation is also a growing sector, according to a new industry survey.

Two housing projects snare first fast-track panels
Policy

Two housing projects snare first fast-track panels

Applications opened on Feb 7. Now we have our first panels.

Oliver Lewis 08 May 2025
Agriculture the winner in senior science advisory roles
Primary Sector

Agriculture the winner in senior science advisory roles

The Science & Technology Advisory Council is weighted towards the dairy industry.

Greg Hurrell 08 May 2025
John Key, Helen Clark united in 'bed tax' support
Policy

John Key, Helen Clark united in 'bed tax' support

The former Prime Ministers are buying what Wayne Brown is selling.

Oliver Lewis 07 May 2025