Media Statement
For immediate release
Wednesday 11 February 2004
United Future delighted by family assistance package
Under questioning from United Future’s revenue spokesperson Gordon Copeland, Finance Minister Michael Cullen today
revealed that the family assistance package, which will be a centrepiece of this year’s Budget, will total around $1
billion per annum once it is fully implemented.
Dr Cullen also confirmed that the qualifying criteria for assistance will take into account the number of dependent
children in the family.
Mr Copeland said “Frankly, I am delighted at the size of this package since previous indications from the Minister were
that it might be at around only the $500 million level.
“United Future would want to go even further with income splitting for tax purposes for couples raising children.
“ However it must be admitted, and I think celebrated, that this new $1 billion package has the potential to transform
the lives of many New Zealand families and raise living standards especially for the 24% of our children who are present
living close to or below the poverty line,” he said.
Ends