1. Budget Policy Statement 2018—PrioritiesDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of FinanceWEDNESDAY 16 MAY 2018The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Karakia.ORAL QUESTIONSQUESTIONS TO MINISTERSBudget Policy Statement 2018—Priorities1. Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of Finance: What priorities did the Budget Policy Statement 2018 set out?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): The Budget Policy Statement 2018 released in December was our first action in preparing Budget 2018. It sets out the key priorities including building quality public services for all New Zealanders such as health and education; taking action on child poverty and homelessness on which we made a significant start in the 100-day plan; supporting families to get ahead and sharing the wealth generated by our economy with a wider range of New Zealanders; sustainable economic development; and supporting our regions. On Budget day New Zealanders will see that we are delivering on our priorities as we set out the first steps of our plan to make our economy and communities stronger more productive more sustainable and more inclusive.Dr Duncan Webb: What progress has the coalition Government already made on these priorities?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: When the coalition Government was formed we immediately set about putting in place our 100-day plan and Families Package through the December mini-Budget. Our Families Package cancelled the previous Government's poorly focused tax-cut package and will instead see $5.5 billion over the next four years targeted at improving the incomes and living standards of those who need it the most. This includes starting on 1 July the Best Start payment the winter energy payment and increases to Working for Families.SPEAKER: Order! Thank you.Dr Duncan Webb: How will Budget 2018 further progress the Government's priorities?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Budget 2018 will make the investments required to begin rebuilding the critical public services that New Zealanders rely on. We can't fix every problem in one Budget but health education and housing will finally receive the support they deserve under this Government's plan. We have a plan to progress our economy to be productive sustainable and inclusive and we will protect and enhance our environment. We are a positive stable energetic Government getting on with the job.David Seymour: If the Minister characterises the previous tax cuts as poorly targeted" how would he characterise giving the winter energy payment to millionaires?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: What I'd say is that I'd characterise the winter energy payment as "helping superannuitants get in the position to pay their bills throughout the year" because not every superannuitant has the opportunity to be employed as a celebrity dancer.David Seymour: Was that really the Minister's best answer?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Actually if we want to talk further about celebrity dancing I can indulge the member. But actually what we're doing with the winter energy payment is recognising that there is an increased cost of living not only for our superannuitants but for those on fixed incomes and this Government is going to do something practically about that."