Summarised by Centrist
The $89 billion Greens’ alternative budget plan includes a 33% inheritance tax, a 2.5% annual wealth tax on assets over $2 million, new taxes on private jets, trusts and higher income brackets, and a pledge to nearly double net Crown debt.
The plan would also reportedly reduce the after-tax income of the average registered nurse,
Labour leader Chris Hipkins admitted he agreed with “many elements” of the plan “on the surface,” and refused to rule it out.
Greens also promise to overhaul the tax system and deliver free GP visits, dental care, expanded childcare, and an income guarantee for students and beneficiaries.
On Monday, Hipkins claimed the full package was a “huge spend-up,” “unrealistic,” and too extreme to implement all at once.
He refused to say which parts Labour might adopt, telling reporters: “We will set out our policy before the election.”
National’s Finance Minister Nicola Willis slammed Labour for refusing to reject the plan outright: “If they will not rule it out, they are saying they are prepared to govern like a circus.”
She called the Greens’ plan “almost a Soviet manifesto” and said former Labour Finance Minister Michael Cullen “would turn in his grave” over proposals so “radical and stupid”.
While the party claims most workers earning under $115,000 would benefit, Health NZ figures show the average registered nurse now earns $125,662 – enough to be stung. Senior nurses could lose over $30 a week.
“We know we are breaking some awesome ground,” Green co-leader Marama Davidson said.
Read more over at The NZ Herald here and here
