Morrison takes jab at Kiwis
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has taken a swipe at New Zealand, highlighting Kiwis’ cost of living struggles, as he defends his Government’s handling of the economy.
In an interview regarding the rise in living costs in Australia, Morrison admitted it was a concern but suggested Aussies were lucky they weren’t living in neighbouring countries — including New Zealand.
New Zealand’s inflation levels surged to 6.9 per cent, while Australia’s is at 5.1 per cent. Morrison pushed back on the idea that Australia’s “economic shield” was “shattering”, highlighting that it has meant Australia hasn’t ended up in the same place as New Zealand.
“Now I know Australians would be saying, well, what’s happening in the UK, in the United States and in Canada and Germany and France, what good is that to me if my prices are going up? Well, what that shield has done has ensured that what others are experiencing in other countries has not happened to the same extent here. Those almost 7 per cent inflation rates in New Zealand could have been here.
“Absolutely not, because of what we’re seeing. And when you look at what Australia is experiencing compared to — look across the ditch in New Zealand,” he replied, before a reporter cut him off and said “we don’t live in New Zealand”.
“You’re right, you don’t live in Canada, and you don’t live in New Zealand,” Morrison barked back.
“And what we have avoided in Australia is what is happening in those countries ...
“Now, when you look around the world, there are few places that people would rather be than right here in Australia. And the reason for that is, is the way we’ve steered this country through one of our most difficult times.”
In response to the rising costs of living, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in April she acknowledges “it’s hard now”, but believes a swathe of increases to benefits, superannuation and student support which has kicked in, will benefit 1.4 million people and make a difference.