PM's Post-Cabinet Press Conference Monday, 08 August 2011
Scoop Video + Audio + Photos: Press conference held after today's cabinet meeting - Monday, 08 August 2011
By Alastair Thompson & Reesh Lyon
Click for big version
Prime Minister John Key faces the cameras See more images below
*******
Prime Minster John Key's Post Cabinet Press Conference
The PM covered subjects including:
- Share Market Activity: Volatility "unwelcome." New Zealanders should take comfort from fact that NZ is in better position than other nations.
The PM hails his Government's policies as the reason for NZ's economic strength.
- Welfare Reforms: PM says benefit changes encourage people who can work to get off the benefit. Changes to the DPB and introduction of
annual reviews of benefits are showing signs of success. PM provides figures showing 7400 hundred people are now off
benefits, with more than $6 million saved. Also says 1600 more DPB recipients are in part-time work.
- Weekly Diary: including meeting Tongan PM and attending the Pacific Youth Awards.
Mr Key then answered questions on subjects including:
- Welfare changes: says taxpayers have saved "the better part of about ten million dollars to fund these people."
- Milk Prices: will be taking the question of whether to have an inquiry into milk prices to caucus tomorrow. Mr Key believes the
party is leaning towards having Parliament hold a select committee inquiry. It will need the support of other parties
and terms of reference will need to be drawn up before any inquiry gets underway. Mr Key says it is important consumers
have confidence in milk prices.
- SIS & Warren Tucker: PM says its "unfortunate" that there is a perception that the role of the SIS chief has been politicised. He still
stands by Mr Tucker's recollection of briefing Phil Goff on the investigation into alleged Israeli spies. Mr Tucker was
happy for My Key to state in the House that Mr Goff had been briefed on the matter. Mr Key says there has been no
leaking of information from the SIS "to the best of my knowledge." My Key believes any information obtained by blogger
Cameron Slater was through legitimate OIA processes. All SIS decisions were made from the agency's own legal advice.
- Nancy Wake: PM says it's not possible to give posthumous awards for bravery. She had received awards, just not in New Zealand.
- Global Economy + Standard & Poors advice: overall, Treasury's growth forecast puts New Zealand in "middle of the pack" economically. Mr Key stands by his
Government's course of action over the economy. Dedicated to keeping debt levels under 30% of GDP. Not looking to have
added stimulation. There is "still room in terms of monetary policy" The high exchange rate also gives the Government
some flexibility. PM adamant the Government is still of the right path. Can expect KiwiSaver funds to have "taken a hit"
in past few days but overall the equity markets are doing "reasonably well." Standard and Poors are telling the US they
"need to take their medicine." PM says he's less pessimistic about the situation now than he was in 2008.
- Conservative Party: PM says he has had discussions with Colin Craig. Hypothetically the Government would be willing to do a deal with the
Conservatives, should they get elected - though he says that's unlikely.
- CERA Review Panel: says panelists were picked on merit. Recalls Gerry Brownlee saying it'd be difficult to get the right people on board
with the pay rates offered.
- Employment Law: says Government polices have set the country up for strength in tough economic times.
- Birthday Plans: dinner with wife and kids and jokes about getting gifts from media.
Press Play To Start Audio Playing….
*******
Scoop Video (37 Minutes in four parts): Youtube Video on demand of Prime Minister John Key's press conference today.
Initial Statement And Diary
Q Welfare and Milk
Q SIS, Slatergate & Global Financial Crisis
Q No More On SIS, GFC & Birthday
*******
Scoop Image:More images from today's PM's press conference.
Click for big version
Click for big version
Click for big version
Click for big version
Click for big version
ENDS