Cabinet considers a mini-Budget
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said one of the first things her Cabinet will do is to consider whether a mini-Budget is necessary.
She held her first Cabinet meeting yesterday in the Beehive but that one would have been simply an induction meeting at which ministers would be schooled on Cabinet processes.
Ministers outside of Cabinet also attended the induction meeting.
Next Tuesday will be the first Cabinet meeting considering Government business, she said at Parliament after returning from being sworn-in as Prime Minister at Government House.
“Some of our 100-day commitments we really need to act urgently on if we are to get the legislation through on time,” she told reporters before the Cabinet meeting.
“There are elements of it that could well be wrapped into a mini-Budget,” she said. “We are seeking advice on what is required.” A mini-Budget is not a legal requirement but if a Government is making many major changes, including switching existing authorised expenditure to another area, it could be done as a package to give it a greater sense of coherence.
Ardern has given herself two ministerial portfolios, Arts Culture and Heritage, and Child Poverty Reduction.
“My view is that if we are to be a Government that is known for looking after the most vulnerable, children have to be our top priority.”
The start of the Government is from today, meaning its first 100 days is up on February 2.
Included among the 17 measures for the 100-day programme are to: Make the first year of tertiary education or training fees free from January 1, 2018. Increase student allowances and living cost loans by $50 a week from January 1, 2018. Ban overseas speculators from buying existing 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. Resume contributions to the New Zealand Superannuation Fund. Increase the minimum wage to $16.50 an hour, to take effect from 1 April 2018, and introduce legislation to improve fairness in the workplace.