3. Question No. 3—Prime MinisterCHRISTOPHER LUXON (Leader of the Opposition) to the Acting Prime MinisterQuestion No. 3—Prime Minister3. CHRISTOPHER LUXON (Leader of the Opposition) to the Acting Prime Minister: Does she stand by all her Government's statements and actions? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI (Acting Prime Minister): Yes. One million New Zealanders will receive more cost of living relief through the winter energy payment. From 1 May to 1 October this year single people with no dependent children will receive an extra $20.46 per week while couples and people with children will receive an extra $31.82 per week. This is on top of the increase to superannuation and the veteran's pension in the past month which saw those over 65 receive $102.84 more in total a fortnight and a single person living alone an extra $66.86 a fortnight. Christopher Luxon: What does she say to farmers and tradies who are being forced by her Government to pay even more in tax whenever they buy a new ute? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: It's really important to keep this issue in perspective. The Clean Car Discount has been incredibly successful in the long run. Because of the carbon emission reductions that we are able to achieve through this scheme every New Zealander will be better off. If we don't have an initiative like this that is successful in the longer run we can expect higher fuel prices and that would not be beneficial for farmers or tradies. Christopher Luxon: Isn't it the case that someone buying a new Toyota Hilux will now pay an extra $2645 in tax meaning the total tax on a Hilux is now $4370 just so Michael Wood can subsidise Teslas? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: Again it's really important to keep this in perspective. As New Zealanders we have seen firsthand the impacts of climate change. We have made commitments internationally to reduce our carbon emissions. This scheme is incredibly successful. Most people I think it's fair to say are not out every year buying a new vehicle that will incur the tax that that member is talking about. In the longer term—in the longer term—New Zealand is better off. Christopher Luxon: Can she rule out her Government introducing a capital gains tax or a wealth tax? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: Yes. Christopher Luxon: Will she confirm that she will not rule out a capital gains tax or wealth tax? [Interruption]SPEAKER: Can I ask the member to—I'm going to ask this side of the House to calm down. There were at least three interjections in that question. I didn't even hear it so I'm going to ask the—[Interruption] Yeah and it doesn't help when we get interjections while I'm on my feet. Christopher Luxon can you ask that question again. Christopher Luxon: So can we confirm that her Government will rule out a capital gains tax or wealth tax? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: We've made it very clear that there is no intention through the Budget or for the remainder of this term to introduce a capital gains tax or a wealth tax. Every political party will have their tax policy before the next election but that is not a matter for us to discuss here—not this term. Christopher Luxon: Does she think it's right that Kiwis are paying more than $100 million extra in tax every single day than in 2017? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: Wages have gone up and hence why there is more of a tax take. Christopher Luxon: Why will she not commit to giving income tax relief to hard-working Kiwis so they can keep more of what they earn—because isn't it their money not yours? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: We've been very clear that we will not be making any tax changes over the course of this year. What we are concerned about is that when political parties are talking about potential tax cuts they are effectively also talking about taking money away from there. I think that the Opposition needs to be clear about what services they plan on cutting. Hon Damien O'Connor: Can the Acting Prime Minister give us an assurance that GST will not be increased? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: We can be absolutely trusted to not increase GST. David Seymour: Does the Acting Prime Minister stand by her statement that There are … a number of New Zealanders who are driving around with utes in Auckland where they're not always needed" and if so can she explain to New Zealanders what are the right and the wrong and the legitimate and the illegitimate reasons for buying and driving a ute? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: I said very clearly that some in Auckland have very fair and reasonable reasons for driving around in a ute. That's what I said. But if the policy that we're talking about helps them to consider or make the transition to an electric vehicle then why would we not continue to do that? David Seymour: If some in Auckland don't have a legitimate use for driving a ute can the Prime Minister explain who are these people in Auckland who have a ute they shouldn't have?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: I didn't say that.David Seymour: Does the Minister have confidence in her Minister of Justice Kiritapu Allan's ability to monitor and evaluate the performance of the Race Relations Commissioner after it was revealed that the Race Relations Commissioner and his partner had donated to the Minister's campaign—back in the previous election—and she did not report it as a conflict to the Cabinet Office? If she can have confidence can she explain how and how low are the standards now?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: The Minister of Justice has given the delegation for the Race Relations Commissioner to her Associate Minister of Justice.Christopher Luxon: How is it that this Government can find money for Teslas consultants and communications staff but it just can't let Kiwis keep more of what they earn?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: It is finding money to reduce carbon emissions so that we can actually respond to our international commitment to addressing climate change and what it means for New Zealand."