1. Families Package—Reactions and TargetingANGIE WARREN-CLARK (Labour) to the Minister of FinanceORAL QUESTIONSQUESTIONS TO MINISTERSFamilies Package—Reactions and Targeting1. ANGIE WARREN-CLARK (Labour) to the Minister of Finance: What reaction has he seen to the package of measures contained in the Families Package (Income Tax and Benefits) Bill that passed through the House last week?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): I'm pleased to say that the reaction from a broad range of groups has been very positive. UNICEF New Zealand said that the package feels like a Christmas present for every family across New Zealand." A spokesperson for the Salvation Army said our Best Start payment "is a terrific payment and I think it will make a real difference." The Auckland City Mission said the package will have a significant impact on the lives of many of New Zealand's most vulnerable people: our children. Finally the Child Poverty Action Group said "today is the day to celebrate that at last children's needs are being taken seriously." It's clear that social sector organisations are excited to finally see a Government that is willing to tackle issues such as child poverty head on. Angie Warren-Clark: What reaction has the Minister seen from commentators and financial markets about the impact of the Families Package on the Government's finances?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Commentators such as Audrey Young from the New Zealand Herald describe the package as having a stunning impact. Moody's New Zealand said that the Government can "fund higher spending on families and other social benefits infrastructure affordable housing and education while maintaining fiscal surpluses." Moody's went on to say that "this supports our assessment of the sovereign's very high fiscal strength." Moody's also noted that with Government debt at moderate levels and prospects for it to continue to decline New Zealand has higher fiscal headroom than many other similarly rated high-income sovereigns to counter negative shocks. I'm pleased to see the markets recognise that this Government can deliver in its election promises while paying down debt and maintaining surpluses.Angie Warren-Clark: What reactions have there been to the Families Package from organisations that deal directly with children?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Plunket said "It is encouraging to see that the Government is taking action in its first 100 days to help make the difference of a lifetime in our tamarikis' first 1000 days." Barnados also said that the Best Start payment sends a strong message that all children are valued and their potential is invested in equally. I have also sadly seen another organisation—this House—that had to deal with a child-like tantrum about the Families Package but I'm sure that if in the future Jami-Lee Ross has his juice box—Mr SPEAKER: Order! Order!Hon Steven Joyce: Can he confirm that the net saving over the forecast period from cancelling the tax threshold changes in his package is $2.8 billion; and can he also confirm that the cost of phase one of the tertiary education package over the forecast period is also $2.8 billion?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I can confirm the first of those questions.Hon Steven Joyce: Can he confirm then he'll also stop telling single people couples with no children and parents with grown-up children that he cancelled the tax changes to invest in health and education services when he actually spent them on a year's free tertiary education for 18-year-olds?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The Government's Budget taken as a whole will provide huge benefits to the groups of people that the member—Hon Steven Joyce: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. That was a fairly specific question in regard to whether he'd stop saying that.Mr SPEAKER: One thing that the member will learn is he has to wait until the member stops and I'm the one who stops him.Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The Government's Budget taken as a whole will deliver huge benefits to the people the member mentions in his question by reducing the cost of them going to the doctor by improving the range of housing services available. The member well knows it is not possible to hypothecate individual parts of the Government's Budget against any particular spending.Hon Steven Joyce: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Obviously I was guilty of anticipation but it was a very straightforward question: can he confirm he'll stop telling single people a couple with no children and parents with grown-up children that he's going to cancel the tax changes to invest in health and education services. The reason for that is that the money has gone directly to tertiary education. He can either confirm that he is going to stop that or he can't; that's something that he can do.Mr SPEAKER: I'll remind the member as he was wont to do once or twice in the past that questioners cannot insist on a yes or no answer.David Seymour: In all of this receipt of reports has the Minister consulted with the poor elves who must pay for all this largesse sans tax cuts?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I believe what the member is referring to as the "poor elves" are the New Zealand people. The consultation happened at the election and three parties formed an excellent Government.David Seymour: Can I clarify for the Minister that the poor elves are the taxpayers almost none of whom voted for his Government. [Interruption] Mr SPEAKER: Order! There wasn't a question there—but it's been used."