Budget Speech (Continued)
Mr Speaker,
Budget 2010 is about building the recovery and helping New Zealanders prosper.
The Prime Minister has made clear this Government's aspirations for an economy that values enterprise, rewards people for effort and encourages them to get ahead.
New Zealand has successfully navigated the worst global crisis in a generation. The challenge now is to build growth and create new jobs. Sustained growth provides opportunities for New Zealanders to achieve their aspirations.
Budget 2010 drives the New Zealand economy forward, moving away from debt and consumption while increasing investment and exports.
We set a path for responsible Government spending last year, and we maintain that path in this Budget.
We have changed the tax system to rebalance the economy, to put cash into people's hands and to encourage them to save more and consume less. This will have a long term benefit.
We now have our debt under control and unemployment is beginning to fall. We will emerge as one of the countries that other nations aspire to be more like.
There are risks to the recovery. A mountain of debt hangs over a number of our export destinations, and will also influence the markets that lend to New Zealand.
We cannot take for granted the contribution that the Australian and Chinese economies have made to our growth.
However, we are on track to a position most developed economies will envy.
This includes more new jobs, falling unemployment, rising family incomes, quality public services and sound public finances.
Mr Speaker,
This Budget continues to build a platform for a much more ambitious New Zealand.
Mr Speaker,
I commend this Budget to the House.
