18 December 2007
Media Statement
Government’s fiscal management to pay dividends
Under the Labour-led government the New Zealand economy has enjoyed the longest period of sustained growth in more than
a generation, Finance Minister Michael Cullen said today.
Commenting on the release of Treasury’s Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update (HYEFU), Dr Cullen said the government’s
responsible fiscal management has prepared the country for our future challenges and will pay dividends in the years
ahead.
The HYEFU includes a substantial upward revision to revenue forecasts, which will enable personal tax cuts to be
delivered in Budget 2008.
“Over the past eight years the New Zealand economy has grown faster than the EU, the UK, the US, the OECD average, and
slightly faster than Australia,” Michael Cullen said. “Over that time we have seen average household incomes rise by 25
per cent in real terms, our unemployment rate more than halve, over 350,000 jobs created, and child poverty fall
dramatically.
“But the government has been focused on making sure these good times are not one-offs. We have implemented a responsible
fiscal policy focused on debt reduction and making investments that will prepare New Zealand for future challenges.
“Treasury’s update today confirms just how successful we have been. Gross Sovereign Issued Debt (excluding settlement
cash) now stands at less than 20 per cent of GDP, down from 35 per cent eight years ago. When the New Zealand
Superannuation Fund is included, the government is in a positive net debt position.
“The economy, which has grown by 29 per cent in real terms since 1999, is expected to grow by 3 per cent this financial
year, with growth of between 2-3 per cent projected for the years ahead.
“However, uncertainties do exist. The long-term effects of the global credit crunch are still unknown, the value of the
New Zealand Dollar remains volatile, and inflationary pressures are still of concern. This means that now is not the
time for a change in fiscal policy that would see us take on more debt, leaving New Zealand less in charge of its
economic direction and more vulnerable to economic shocks.
“As signalled by the Prime Minister and myself last month, Treasury has significantly changed their ongoing revenue
forecasts. With Budget allocations unchanged, we would be forecasting ongoing and structural cash surpluses. This is out
of line with our fiscal strategy and would lead to unnecessarily high operating balances.
“The government has responded to this revision by increasing the Budget 2008 Capital Allowance and introducing a
contingency for a personal tax revenue reduction initiative of $1.5 billion. This figure is very soft as no decisions
have been taken on the timing, size, shape, or scope of our personal tax cuts.
“I can say, however, that the Labour-led government’s personal tax cuts will meet the four tests that I have previously
outlined.
“We will cut personal taxes:
• Without borrowing to do so
• Without cutting services
• Without exacerbating inflationary pressures
• Without creating greater inequalities in our society
“The Labour-led government has focused on building an economy that is not only stronger, but is fairer as well. Our
personal tax initiative will be an extension of this work and will be a dividend to New Zealanders who have driven the
longest sustained period of economic growth in generations.
“But what today’s update shows is that the government’s strategy of responsible fiscal management coupled with strong
investments in infrastructure and public services, has been the right mix for a strong and fair New Zealand economy.
“We are now positioned for a significant phase of economic transformation, centred on making the most of sustainability
and seizing the opportunities presented by globalisation.
“This is not a time to cash-out on our economic success. It is a time to build on our achievements and raise our sights
yet again.”
ENDS