Housing a top priority for new Gov’t
Property speculation and substandard rentals are on of the new Labour-led government’s top priorities.
Before the election, Labour set out its plan for its first 100 days in government.
On Labour’s urgent list is legislation banning overseas housing speculators, by Christmas, implementing Labour’s family support package by July 1, an increase in the minimum wage to $16.50 and locking in the goal of zero carbon emissions.
Ardern outlined the party’s plan for its first 100 days in power during a campaign rally in Wellington in September.
‘‘Labour will take urgent action in its first 100 days in office to expand support for families and students, make rental homes warm and dry, find solutions to the mental health crisis and accelerate efforts to clean up our waterways,’’ Ardern said.
During his announcement on Thursday evening, Peters said NZ First’s decision to go with Labour was influenced by issues around equality, affordable housing, immigration, and a stable dollar
‘‘Far too many New Zealanders were going without.’’ Winston Peters
and economy.
‘‘Far too many New Zealanders were going without,’’ Peters said.
* Make the first year of tertiary education or training fees free and increase student allowances and living cost loans by $50 a week from January 1, 2018
* Pass the Healthy Homes Guarantee Bill
* Ban overseas speculators from buying existing residential properties
* Stop the sell-off of state houses
* Legislate to pass the Families Package, including the Winter Fuel Payment, Best Start and increases to Paid Parental Leave, to take effect from 1 July 2018. The families package replaces National’s April1 tax cuts.
* Introduce legislation to set a child poverty reduction target
* Resume contributions to the New Zealand Superannuation Fund
* Set up a ministerial inquiry on mental health
* Hold a Clean Waterways Summit of all key stakeholders
* Increase the minimum wage to $16.50/hour, to take effect April 1, 2018, and introduce legislation new industrial relations legislation