Budget delivers for ethnic communities
“The 2010 Budget has delivered for ethnic communities through a fairer, more incentivised tax system and a commitment to
creating safer communities” says Minister for Ethnic Affairs Pansy Wong.
“The significant reform of the tax system will reward effort and work by allowing earners to keep more of their hard
earned money which they can save, invest in their businesses, put towards their children’s education or spend as they
see fit. In turn this will strengthen a culture of self reliance and success that has been long embraced by our ethnic
communities,” says Pansy Wong.
She says “New Zealand’s ethnic communities are aspirational and the budget reflects that because it builds on the
recovery of our economy, help families get ahead and deliver a brighter future.”
Boosts to police numbers will also benefit our ethnic communities by making them safer. “The funding for 600 extra
police means we can more effectively deter crime, target criminal behaviour and ultimately make our communities safer
places to live. Our ethnic communities have become concerned in recent years at the rate of offending and the negative
impacts this has.”
“Business forums, inter-cultural awareness program and law and order workshops are some of the initiatives that the
Office of Ethnic Affairs will continue to undertake to foster aspiration and alleviate concerns of crime in our ethnic
communities”, says Pansy Wong.
ENDS