Yang Jian: Budget Debate 
Text is subject to correction 
Yang Jian: Budget Debate 
[Sitting date: 31 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2783. Text is subject to correction.] 
Dr JIAN YANG (National) 
: 
 It is a privilege to speak on Budget 2012. I am supportive of this Budget because it looks to the future and focuses strongly on rebuilding and strengthening our economy delivering better services and creating new jobs but at the same time managing the Government’s finances responsibly and getting the books back to surplus by 2014-15 without having to borrow more. Meanwhile we are committed to protecting the most vulnerable families and businesses from the sharpest edges of the global economic downturn. We have set a path to surplus while maintaining entitlements such as Working for Families and increasing superannuation above inflation so that New Zealanders are supported through these tough economic times.  
Responsibility is a key word of Budget 2012. National inherited a country in recession when it came into office in 2008. Earlier this month the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s  
Financial Stability Report  
stated that “New Zealand’s financial system remains vulnerable to global financial instability despite an improvement in financial market sentiment since the start of 2012.” The statement supports National’s priority of getting our books back to surplus. A surplus helps keep mortgage rates lower for longer. It gives the Government choices about how it invests our taxes. It ensures that our economy is stronger and more stable and able to deflect future economic surprises.  
Only by acting responsibly can New Zealanders be assured a brighter future. The National-led Government is committed to that goal. To achieve that goal we have a lot of work to do. Here are some of the key areas that I would like to elaborate on. Firstly the Government will provide substantial new funding for research and innovation over 4 years. This includes $59 million for science and engineering courses and $100 million to boost research. As a former senior university lecturer I understand how important such funding is. Research and innovation will help deliver a more competitive and productive economy. I commend the Government for that.  
Secondly this Government understands that only by investing in education will we ensure that the next generation reaches its highest potential. As the proud father of two girls I want them to reach their potential. National will be focusing on increasing student achievement. Over 4 years we will commit over $511 million towards new early childhood and schooling initiatives and also $59.8 million to support teacher quality.  
Thirdly the National-led Government has worked hard to put our economy on a more sound footing. It is committed to expanding our trade with rising economies such as China. I was fortunate enough to be able to accompany the trade Minister the Hon Tim Groser on his visit to China in March. Since National came into office our trade with China has grown rapidly. In 2009 it grew by 8 percent in 2010 by 16 percent and in 2011 by 15 percent. We are well positioned to reach the goal of doubling our trade with China to $20 billion in 2015 which will benefit all New Zealanders.  
Fourthly the Government is committed to having a more effective welfare system. We are focusing on getting New Zealanders back to work while still protecting the vulnerable through Working For Families superannuation for our elderly and welfare benefits for those genuinely in need. However for too long New Zealand has been stifled by a welfare dependency that drains the taxpayer and does nothing to grow the economy. We want those who can work to go back to work. We want to break the vicious cycle of welfare dependency that can go from generation to generation in some families. We want them to know that work is good for them and for the country. All New Zealanders should strive to better themselves so that they can have a brighter future. That is why we are investing over $287 million in education and training to better support beneficiaries to return to work. We will be focusing on supporting sole parents back to work and giving more powers to Work and Income New Zealand to direct people to prepare for work.  
What I should also mention is the issue of law and order. The National-led Government is staying tough on crime with a record 15-year low crime rate in 2011. Like many New Zealanders the Chinese community are law-abiding citizens and rate law and order high on their priorities. National believes in safer communities. Investing in more front-line police has played a part in this low crime rate.  
As a member of the Health Committee I now would like to turn my attention to our successful public health service. The National-led Government is achieving great results for New Zealanders in delivering a world-class public health service; this despite inheriting a service that was in crisis. We are spending more than any other Government over $14 billion over the next 4 years to deliver better sooner and more convenient front-line health care services for New Zealanders. In Budget 2012 health received the largest increase in Government spending; a sign of National’s commitment to growing our public health service. As a result of National’s investment we now have 800 more doctors and 2000 more nurses. As a member of the Health Committee I am supportive of more efficiency and less bureaucracy in our health system.  
Many from the medical field are supportive of the health investment in Budget 2012. Medicines New Zealand said: “We support the Government’s commitment to improving access to innovative medicines and protecting and growing public health services in a tight economic climate. Thousands of New Zealand patients have benefited from increased Government investment in pharmaceuticals over the past three years.” This Budget is about growing New Zealand’s economy and giving New Zealanders hope for a brighter future. National has shown that we have the right policies to help cushion New Zealand in tough economic times. We remain resolute in our commitment to responsibly managing the Government’s finances so that we return to surplus sooner and without incurring more debt. We are building a more competitive and productive economy. We are delivering better front-line public services such as health and education and we are focusing on priorities that matter to all New Zealanders. We do not want to see a return to the debt-fuelled excesses of the last Labour Government. That is why National is disciplined around spending and capital management.  
National’s commitment to growing New Zealand’s economy and responsible fiscal management speaks for itself. We have created 60000 new jobs in the past 2 years mortgage rates are at 45-year lows there have been tax cuts across the board to reward hard work more doctors and nurses are providing health care to Kiwis and more front-line police are protecting our communities. Despite the extraordinary challenges we have all faced in the last few years which include the 2008 recession the global financial crisis and the devastating Christchurch earthquakes New Zealand is on a good track for growth. I commend this Budget. Thank you.