Audio: PM's Post-Cab Presser Monday, 08 August 2011

Monday, 8 August 2011, 10:04 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

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Prime Minister John Key faces the cameras See more images below

• Scoop Audio (37 Minutes):

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 Mr 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." Mr 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.

• Scoop Video (37 Minutes in four parts): Youtube Video on demand of Prime Minister John Key's press conference today.

• Scoop Image:More images from today's PM's press conference.

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Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

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