PM Press Conference 18/04/17: Pay equity settlement

Today the government announced a $2 billion pay equity settlement for health care and support workers. Minister of Health, Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman was present with Prime Minister Bill English to discuss the details. Some of those details include, workers who are currently at the minimum wage will see a 21% pay rise as of 1 July, there will be standardised pay, ACC levy will stay the same at least for the next two years.

The Prime Minister was asked if this will open the way for other sectors or the private health sector to increase wages. Mr English emphasised that the government is able to do this because of the condition of the books. Dr Coleman was asked about potential additional costs on unsubsidised aged care, ACC levy changes, and his thoughts on the gender pay gap.

After Dr Coleman departed, the Prime Minister was asked about his thoughts on North Korea, if NZ is going to make similar work visa changes to the Australian 457, and the fate of the TPP.

Mr English made his final announcements about further support for Edgecumbe, the coming departure of Ministers Parata and McCully, and a cabinet reshuffle.

Some final questions were about family carers, private health sector wages and police recruitment policy regarding anti-depressants.

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