Introduction
Mr Speaker,
I move that the Appropriation (2012/13 Estimates) Bill be now read a second time.
It's a privilege to deliver the National-led Government's fourth Budget.
This Budget is about investing in our future.
It shows the Government is responsibly managing its finances. We are on track to post an operating surplus in 2014/15, when we will start bringing debt down to prudent levels.
That is a considerable achievement given the difficulties New Zealand has faced over the past three years:
A sharp recession that started in early 2008.
The Global Financial Crisis, which is still being felt around the world.
The destructive earthquakes in Canterbury.
Good fiscal management is important because it helps us pursue the other three priorities of this Government.
The first of these is building a more productive and competitive economy. The New Zealand economy lost competitiveness and built up large imbalances during the 2000s.
Those imbalances have to be reversed if we are to achieve sustainable growth.
The Budget is another step in creating an innovative and productive economy that sells more to the world - where people have the jobs, opportunities and higher incomes to get ahead here in New Zealand.
Secondly, the Government is committed to delivering better public services.
The Budget shows we are continuing to reform public services to deliver better results, protect the vulnerable in our society, and at the same time bring down many of the long-term social costs that drive public-sector spending.
And thirdly, the Budget continues the Government's strong commitment to rebuilding Christchurch and the surrounding areas.
Collectively, these priorities are about building a brighter future for New Zealanders from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Working constructively with the ACT, United Future and Māori Parties, we will continue to make balanced and fair decisions to support all New Zealanders through challenging times and put the economy on a more competitive footing for the longer term.
