"As announced by the Minister of Finance, the Treasury will be publishing the Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update (PREFU) on Monday, 6 October 2008," Secretary to the Treasury John Whitehead said today.
The Public Finance Act (PFA) requires the publication of a PREFU to provide an indication of the most up-to-date economic and fiscal position that an incoming government will face. The Act makes it clear that provision of the fullest information possible is intended.
“"I have decided that this and subsequent PREFUs will include projections of the medium-term fiscal position and a brief discussion of the longer-term," Mr Whitehead said.
Previously, medium-term projections have been posted separately on the Treasury website at the time of the PREFU publication.
"The medium-term projections will incorporate the Treasury’s best judgement as to the most appropriate interpretation of current policy in projecting beyond the five-year forecast period," Mr Whitehead said.
Mr Whitehead noted that a Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update is not required under the PFA if the PREFU is published between 1 October and 31 December.
ENDS
Note:
- The PREFU lock-up will be held over 1½ hours from 1.00pm until 2.30pm on Monday 6 October at Select Committee rooms 1 & 2 in Parliament Buildings.
- There will be some introductory comments from the Treasury, and officials will be available to answer questions.
- The Hon Dr Michael Cullen, Minister of Finance, will address the lock-up at approximately 2.00pm.
- The Financial Statements of the Government for the Year Ending 30 June 2008 will be released at the same time.