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Tax cuts don't make sense

30 Oct 2003
You may have the impression that the overall tax take has increased. In fact, it has fallen in relative terms. Between 1996 and 1999 the tax take averaged 32.4% of GDP, dropping to 31.6% of GDP in 2000-2002. Spending has fallen further, as successive governments have not adequately adjusted assistance for low income families as prices have increased. As a result in New Zealand, a society that has long believed in a fair go for all, children are increasingly dying in hospitals from diseases of poverty. Many more will be crippled by such diseases and be incapable of working. An even larger number will suffer from chronic illness. Many children will go hungry, have their schooling disrupted and live in stressful homes. These children are not getting a chance to develop and contribute to society.
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Aussies win, hands down

30 Sep 2003
Why can New Zealanders not see the importance of adequate tax-based and universal child benefits? Other countries rightly view financial support for families with children as fundamental to preventing, and dealing with, child and family poverty. The Australian system, for example, is far simpler, more generous and humane than ours.
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Where is the commitment to eradicating child poverty?

30 Apr 2003
Using the government's own information, three out of every ten New Zealand children live in poverty. These children are less likely than their peers to grow up to become healthy, able adults. Given the lifelong problems it causes, child poverty is one of the most serious threats to New Zealand's future prosperity. If a family depends on government benefits, then the children are doubly disadvantaged. Only low-income families which receive no benefit income at all are eligible to receive the Child Tax Credit ($15 per week per child). Approximately 300,000 of the most needy children in New Zealand are being punished because of the source of their family's income. While in opposition, Labour promised to address this discrimination, yet has done nothing about it. The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) has taken the case against the Child Tax Credit to the Human Rights Commission and awaits a decision on its legality.
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