Dean Jacqui: General DebateText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeDean Jacqui: General Debate[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18410. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]JACQUI DEAN (National—Waitaki): This is a Government that has had four priorities in this its second term. The first is to responsibly manage New Zealanders’ finances because of course we need to remember that the Government’s finances are New Zealanders’ finances and we have done that. The Hon Bill English should be congratulated on returning the Government’s finances to surplus in a context of the worst of economic times having inherited a basket case economy from Labour after 9 years of the best of economic times.I am reminded of the contribution made by my colleague sitting in front of me the senior whip Louise Upston when mentioning the initiative for rheumatic fever and conquering that terrible disease. What did Labour do when it had 9 years in Government? What did it do about rheumatic fever? Absolutely nothing. So it is a good idea to remind the House and remind New Zealanders that in this term of the National Government we have addressed some of those difficult and very meaningful issues that beset New Zealanders.We have built a more productive and competitive economy. I have already said that we inherited an economy that was going into recession even though Labour would not acknowledge that fact. Now 6 years later under the constant and stable stewardship of this Government we are looking for an economic growth rate of between 2 and 4 percent in the next year.This Government had a priority of delivering better public services and it is that that I really want to delve into a little more but I first want to say that the fourth and arguably for us Mainlanders most important priority is the rebuild of Christchurch. I have to congratulate housing Minister Nick Smith who this morning when speaking tothe Social Services Committee outlined this Government’s plan to address the housing issues in Christchurch. It runs from things like introducing special housing areas to making sure that the Christchurch City Council is up to speed in its consenting processes because it has not been. The plan has been around social housing and making sure that there is enough affordable housing for the people of Christchurch.It is so easy to forget now is it not—it is so easy to forget—that 3 years ago there was a series of major earthquakes that absolutely shattered the city and its infrastructure. This Government as one of its main priorities has put so much focus on and effort into the rebuild of Christchurch for all New Zealanders.I did say that I wanted to concentrate a little on public services. It has been our public services that have delivered wonderful education and health services for New Zealanders. I want to talk about another of this Government’s priorities and that is supporting children and families. This Budget contains a $500 million package of support for children and for families. This Budget is focused on families and on those most vulnerable children who most need our care and protection.It has got five elements. First this Government—and it is this Government—will extend paid parental leave from 14 to 18 weeks. That is 4½ months that new parents will have with their newborns. Second the Government will significantly boost the parental tax credit. That is something that this Government is doing. Third the Government will invest $90 million over 4 years to make doctors visits and prescriptions free for children under the age of 13. What a wonderful wonderful policy for the children of New Zealand. Fourth there will be an increase in funding in early childhood education. We want most kids to go to early childhood education before they go to school. Finally there are measures to protect vulnerable children. This is a good Budget.Malo.