National thinks tax cut good, reduction in Government charges bad
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8:13 am, May 19th, 2023 - 77 comments
Categories: budget 2023, grant robertson, health, labour, national, nicola willis, Parliament, Politics, same old national -
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National’s phrasing around tax cuts always sends me spare.
For instance working for families, which was essentially a significant tax cut to poor and middle class families so that in net terms they paid a lot less money to the Government has been described variously as wasteful spending or in an example of peak stupid rhetoric as communism by stealth by former National Party Prime Minister John Key.
National clearly believes that the amount of money paid by citizens to the Government should be reduced. But it appears that their biggest gripe is that the money was taken in the first place, and the fact that it may then be redistributed to ordinary people according to need is irrelevant.
Their response to the latest budget highlights this weird take they have on funding issues.
As part of budget 2023 Grant Robertson announced the ending of the $5 prescription for medicines.
In his budget speech he said this:
For some Kiwis, prescription costs are a barrier to receiving the healthcare they need, and lead to trade-offs with the purchase of other necessities. We know that in the 2021-22 financial year, 135,000 people did not collect their prescription because of the cost.
I am pleased to say that from 1 July this year we are removing the $5 prescription co-payment for all New Zealanders. This will reduce inequality in our health system and lead to better health outcomes for everyone.
The policy has compelling reasons. Too many people miss getting prescriptions because of the cost and this results in far more expensive hospital treatment when a set of pills could avoid this need.
This article from Radio New Zealand highlights the problem.
A New Zealand-based study published in January found “prescription copayments are likely to increase overall healthcare costs”, with the small fee discouraging people from collecting their medicines, and ending up needing hospital care as a result. The authors “strongly recommend that the $5 prescription co-payments be removed for those with high health needs and low incomes, or be scrapped entirely”.
“[Some people] go without their medicines, and as a result their health problems get worse, so they need hospital care. This is bad for them, their whānau, and the health system,” research lead Pauline Norris said.
Prescription charges have some history. The first Labour Government introduced free prescription charges, the fourth Labour Government and Roger Douglas reintroduced them. National in 1992 increased them to $20 per unit. The fifth Labour Government under Helen Clark decreased them to $3 per unit, and National under John Key increased them to $5.
More recently the advent of loss leading prescription free Australian owned Pharmaceutical chains has placed local pharmacies under significant strain. As well as improving health care this policy avoids the unhealthy dumbing down of the pharmacy sector.
As well as being very popular the policy is the right thing to do.
So what is National going to do?
How about promise to wind the policy back if elected. From Thomas Manch at Stuff:
The National Party says it will repeal the Labour’s removal of a $5 charge on medicine prescriptions if elected.
The scrapping of the $5 cost of prescriptions was one of the major spending initiatives in the Government’s 2023 Budget, published on Thursday, expected to cost $706m for the coming four years.
But it is among the plans most opposed by the Opposition.
National Party finance spokesperson Nicola Willis told Stuff National would return the $5 charge to prescriptions if elected, as it was a “nice to have should not be the priority”.
“I’ve got a lot of sympathy for the fact there are lower-income people for whom I don’t want prescriptions to be a barrier. Well, actually, there are already targetted ways of ensuring they don’t face prescription fees,” she said.
“And you have the Chemist Warehouse offering all prescriptions for free. So, in effect, the Government ends up subsidising that and also subsidising a lot of higher-income people who are perfectly happy to pay that charge.”
What I struggle to understand is how National can oppose the state not collecting money from individuals and letting them keep their hard earned cash. And the policy is targeted to those in need. The more unhealthy you are the more you will benefit.
So why is a tax cut good but a reduction in Government charges bad? Both will result in the individual paying the Government less money and I thought they would be pleased about this.
Besides National’s opposition is strategically a very silly move. For the rest of the election campaign I can guarantee that the fact National will increase prescription charges if elected to Government will be stated many, many, many times.
But what do I know. I am just a soft hearted woke lefty. Although it seems that commentators from the opposite part of the political spectrum think the same.
You know things are bad when you've even upset the RW dirty politics crowd…😂 pic.twitter.com/TQCf7CK0W5
— Mark Sanders (@nz_erewego) May 18, 2023
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- Release: 4,500 jobs lost – and countingMore than 4,500 jobs are set to go as the National Government continues its deep cuts to services to pay for irresponsible and ill-timed tax cuts. ...1 week ago
- No-cause evictions leave no hope for rentersThe Government’s introduction of legislation that would enable landlords to end tenancies with no reason marks a dark day for the 1.4 million people who rent their home in Aotearoa. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National winding back mental health workThe Minister for Mental Health has found the Suicide Prevention Office and mental health support for 111 calls slipping through his fingers, says Labour spokesperson for Mental Health Ingrid Leary. ...2 weeks ago
- Government ignorant of evidence in neglect of tamarikiToday’s justification from the Minister for Children for scrapping protections for our tamariki was either a case of ignorance or deliberate deception. ...2 weeks ago
- Gang policy setting communities up for failureThe Green Party says the Government’s misguided policy on gangs will fail, following the announcement of the establishment of a national gang unit and district gang disruption units to target gang activities. ...2 weeks ago
- Statement from police spokesperson Ginny Andersen“With Police pay negotiations still unresolved after six months in Government, Mark Mitchell has today rolled the Commissioner out for a rebrand of their approach to gang crime,” Labour police spokesperson Ginny Andersen said. ...2 weeks ago
- Charter schools not a serious solutionWe need serious investment and solutions into our education system, not a vanity project from David Seymour. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Ideological charter schools won’t increase achievementThe Government bringing back 50 charter schools will not increase achievement and is a distraction from the core mission of the education system, Labour education spokesperson Jan Tinetti said. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Visas needed for Palestinians with family in New ZealandThe Government must show some compassion and create a special visa to allow Palestinians with family in New Zealand to be reunited with them here. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt’s stubbornness will harm Māori childrenGovernment has remained stubborn and is ramming its Bill into the House today, which the Waitangi Tribunal has said will hurt vulnerable children. ...2 weeks ago
- ‘Lucky dip’ process too casual for hearing critical submissions on Fast Track approvals billTe Pāti Māori is showing extreme concern over the Environment Select Committees adoption of a lucky dip draw to determine hearings for the Fast Track Approvals bill. Of the 27,000 submissions, 2,900 requested to present. All organisations will be heard; however, the remaining 2,350 submitters will be subject to a ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealand First Member’s Bill to protect women’s spacesToday New Zealand First will introduce a Member’s Bill that will protect women’s spaces. The ‘Fair Access to Bathrooms Bill’ will require, primarily in the interest and safety of women and girls, that all new non-domestic publicly accessible buildings provide separate, clearly demarcated, unisex and single sex bathrooms. This Bill ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Support for climate adaptation inquiryLabour supports a Notice of Motion in the House today to move the Finance and Expenditure Committee to conduct an inquiry on climate adaptation. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens welcome cross-party approach to climate adaptationThe Green Party is welcoming Climate Change Minister Simon Watts’ continuation of Hon. James Shaw’s cross-party work on climate adaptation, now in the form of a Finance and Expenditure Committee Inquiry. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Sexual violence prevention among hundreds of job cuts at ACCThe National Government plans to cut 390 jobs at ACC, including roles in the areas of prevention of sexual violence, road safety and workplace safety. ...3 weeks ago
- Government shows allergy to evidence in benefits crackdownThe Government has been caught in opposition to evidence once again as it looks to usher in tried, tested and failed work seminar obligations for job-seeking beneficiaries. ...3 weeks ago
- Minister of Finance reheats austerity politicsThis morning’s pre-Budget speech from the Minister of Finance offered no “meaningful” news on the Government’s trickle-down economics based plans. ...3 weeks ago
- A win for Wellington – Greens welcome more housingThe Green Party is welcoming the announcement by the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform Chris Bishop to approve most of the Wellington City Council’s District Plan recommendations. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Backtrack on school lunches a win for Kiwi kidsDavid Seymour has failed to get the sweeping cuts he wanted to the free and healthy school lunch programme, Labour education spokesperson Jan Tinetti said. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Hon Willie Jackson to debate at the Prestigious Oxford UnionHon Willie Jackson has been invited by the Oxford Union to debate the motion “This House Believes British Museums are not Very British’ on May 23rd. ...3 weeks ago
- Major investment in teacher supply through Budget 24
Over the next four years, Budget 24 will support the training and recruitment of 1,500 teachers into the workforce, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced today. “To raise achievement and develop a world leading education system we’re investing nearly $53 million over four years to attract, train and retain our valued ...1 day ago - Joint statement on the New Zealand – Cook Islands Joint Ministerial Forum – 20241. New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rt Hon Winston Peters; Minister of Health and Minister for Pacific Peoples Hon Dr Shane Reti; and Minister for Climate Change Hon Simon Watts hosted Cook Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Hon Tingika Elikana and Minister of Health Hon Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown on 24 May ...2 days ago
- Middle East, Africa deployments extendedThe Government has approved two-year extensions for four New Zealand Defence Force deployments to the Middle East and Africa, Defence Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced today. “These deployments are long-standing New Zealand commitments, which reflect our ongoing interest in promoting peace and stability, and making active ...3 days ago
- Climate Change Commission Chair to retireThe Climate Change Commission Chair, Dr Rod Carr, has confirmed his plans to retire at the end of his term later this year, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “Prior to the election, Dr Carr advised me he would be retiring when his term concluded. Dr Rod Carr has led ...3 days ago
- Inaugural Board of Integrity Sport & Recreation Commission announcedNine highly respected experts have been appointed to the inaugural board of the new Integrity Sport and Recreation Commission, Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop says. “The Integrity Sport and Recreation Commission is a new independent Crown entity which was established under the Integrity Sport and Recreation Act last year, ...3 days ago
- A balanced Foreign Affairs budgetForeign Minister Winston Peters confirmed today that Vote Foreign Affairs in Budget 2024 will balance two crucial priorities of the Coalition Government. While Budget 2024 reflects the constrained fiscal environment, the Government also recognises the critical role MFAT plays in keeping New Zealanders safe and prosperous. “Consistent with ...3 days ago
- New social housing places to support families into homesNew social housing funding in Budget 2024 will ensure the Government can continue supporting more families into warm, dry homes from July 2025, Housing Ministers Chris Bishop and Tama Potaka say. “Earlier this week I was proud to announce that Budget 2024 allocates $140 million to fund 1,500 new social ...3 days ago
- New Zealand’s minerals futureIntroduction Today, we are sharing a red-letter occasion. A Blackball event on hallowed ground. Today we underscore the importance of our mineral estate. A reminder that our natural resource sector has much to offer. Such a contribution will not come to pass without investment. However, more than money is needed. ...4 days ago
- Government sets out vision for minerals futureIncreasing national and regional prosperity, providing the minerals needed for new technology and the clean energy transition, and doubling the value of minerals exports are the bold aims of the Government’s vision for the minerals sector. Resources Minister Shane Jones today launched a draft strategy for the minerals sector in ...4 days ago
- Government progresses Māori wards legislationThe coalition Government’s legislation to restore the rights of communities to determine whether to introduce Māori wards has passed its first reading in Parliament, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says. “Divisive changes introduced by the previous government denied local communities the ability to determine whether to establish Māori wards.” The ...4 days ago
- First RMA amendment Bill introduced to ParliamentThe coalition Government has today introduced legislation to slash the tangle of red and green tape throttling some of New Zealand’s key sectors, including farming, mining and other primary industries. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says the Government is committed to unlocking development and investment while ensuring the environment is ...4 days ago
- Government welcomes EPA decisionThe decision by Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to approve the continued use of hydrogen cyanamide, known as Hi-Cane, has been welcomed by Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay. “The EPA decision introduces appropriate environmental safeguards which will allow kiwifruit and other growers to use Hi-Cane responsibly,” Ms ...4 days ago
- Speech to Employers and Manufacturers Association: Relief for today, hope for tomorrowKia ora, Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou kātoa Tāmaki Herenga Waka, Tāmaki Herenga tangata Ngā mihi ki ngā mana whenua o tēnei rohe Ngāti Whātua ō Ōrākei me nga iwi kātoa kua tae mai. Mauriora. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the EMA for hosting this event. Let me acknowledge ...4 days ago
- Government invests in 1,500 more social homesThe coalition Government is investing in social housing for New Zealanders who are most in need of a warm dry home, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. Budget 2024 will allocate $140 million in new funding for 1,500 new social housing places to be provided by Community Housing Providers (CHPs), not ...5 days ago
- $24 million boost for Gumboot FridayThousands more young New Zealanders will have better access to mental health services as the Government delivers on its commitment to fund the Gumboot Friday initiative, says Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey. “Budget 2024 will provide $24 million over four years to contract the ...5 days ago
- Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill passes first readingThe Coalition Government’s Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill, which will improve tenancy laws and help increase the supply of rental properties, has passed its first reading in Parliament says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “The Bill proposes much-needed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 that will remove barriers to increasing private ...5 days ago
- Montecassino Commemorative Address, Cassino War CemeteryStanding here in Cassino War Cemetery, among the graves looking up at the beautiful Abbey of Montecassino, it is hard to imagine the utter devastation left behind by the battles which ended here in May 1944. Hundreds of thousands of shells and bombs of every description left nothing but piled ...5 days ago
- First Reading – Repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989I present a legislative statement on the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill Mr. Speaker, I move that the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill be now read a first time. I nominate the Social Services and Community Committee to consider the Bill. Thank you, Mr. ...6 days ago
- First reading of 7AA’s repeal: progress for childrenThe Bill to repeal Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act has had its first reading in Parliament today. The Bill reaffirms the Coalition Government’s commitment to the care and safety of children in care, says Minister for Children Karen Chhour. “When I became the Minister for Children, I made ...6 days ago
- China Business Summit 2024Kia ora koutou, good morning, and zao shang hao. Thank you Fran for the opportunity to speak at the 2024 China Business Summit – it’s great to be here today. I’d also like to acknowledge: Simon Bridges - CEO of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. His Excellency Ambassador - Wang ...6 days ago
- Assisted depatures from New CaledoniaForeign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed a New Zealand Government plane will head to New Caledonia in the next hour in the first in a series of proposed flights to begin bringing New Zealanders home. “New Zealanders in New Caledonia have faced a challenging few days - and bringing ...6 days ago
- Assisted departures from New CaledoniaForeign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed a New Zealand Government plane will head to New Caledonia in the next hour in the first in a series of proposed flights to begin bringing New Zealanders home. “New Zealanders in New Caledonia have faced a challenging few days - and bringing them ...6 days ago
- Government to rollout roadside drug testingThe Coalition Government will introduce legislation this year that will enable roadside drug testing as part of our commitment to improve road safety and restore law and order, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Alcohol and drugs are the number one contributing factor in fatal road crashes in New Zealand. In ...7 days ago
- Minister responds to review of Kāinga OraThe Government has announced a series of immediate actions in response to the independent review of Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “Kāinga Ora is a large and important Crown entity, with assets of $45 billion and over $2.5 billion of expenditure each year. It ...7 days ago
- Pseudoephedrine back on shelvesAssociate Health Minister David Seymour is pleased that Pseudoephedrine can now be purchased by the general public to protect them from winter illness, after the coalition government worked swiftly to change the law and oversaw a fast approval process by Medsafe. “Pharmacies are now putting the medicines back on their ...7 days ago
- New Zealand-China Business SummitTēnā koutou katoa. Da jia hao. Good morning everyone. Prime Minister Luxon, your excellency, a great friend of New Zealand and my friend Ambassador Wang, Mayor of what he tells me is the best city in New Zealand, Wayne Brown, the highly respected Fran O’Sullivan, Champion of the Auckland business ...1 week ago
- New measures to protect powerlines from treesEnergy Minister Simeon Brown has announced that the Government will make it easier for lines firms to take action to remove vegetation from obstructing local powerlines. The change will ensure greater security of electricity supply in local communities, particularly during severe weather events. “Trees or parts of trees falling on ...1 week ago
- Wairarapa Moana ki Pouakani win top Māori dairy farming awardWairarapa Moana ki Pouakani were the top winners at this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy awards recognising the best in Māori dairy farming. Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka announced the winners and congratulated runners-up, Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board, at an awards celebration also attended by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister ...1 week ago
- DJ Fred Again – Assurance report received"On the 27th of March, I sought assurances from the Chief Executive, Department of Internal Affairs, that the Department’s correct processes and policies had been followed in regards to a passport application which received media attention,” says Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden. “I raised my concerns after being ...1 week ago
- District Court Judges appointedAttorney-General Judith Collins has announced the appointment of three new District Court Judges, to replace Judges who have recently retired. Peter James Davey of Auckland has been appointed a District Court Judge with a jury jurisdiction to be based at Whangarei. Mr Davey initially started work as a law clerk/solicitor with ...1 week ago
- Unions should put learning ahead of ideologyAssociate Education Minister David Seymour is calling on the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) to put ideology to the side and focus on students’ learning, in reaction to the union holding paid teacher meetings across New Zealand about charter schools. “The PPTA is disrupting schools up and down the ...1 week ago
- Craig Stobo appointed as chair of FMACommerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly today announced the appointment of Craig Stobo as the new chair of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). Mr Stobo takes over from Mark Todd, whose term expired at the end of April. Mr Stobo’s appointment is for a five-year term. “The FMA plays ...1 week ago
- Budget 2024 invests in lifeguards and coastguardSurf Life Saving New Zealand and Coastguard New Zealand will continue to be able to keep people safe in, on, and around the water following a funding boost of $63.644 million over four years, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say. “Heading to the beach for ...1 week ago
- New Zealand and Tuvalu reaffirm close relationshipNew Zealand and Tuvalu have reaffirmed their close relationship, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says. “New Zealand is committed to working with Tuvalu on a shared vision of resilience, prosperity and security, in close concert with Australia,” says Mr Peters, who last visited Tuvalu in 2019. “It is my pleasure ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealand calls for calm, constructive dialogue in New CaledoniaNew Zealand is gravely concerned about the situation in New Caledonia, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The escalating situation and violent protests in Nouméa are of serious concern across the Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says. “The immediate priority must be for all sides to take steps to de-escalate the ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealand welcomes Samoa Head of StatePrime Minister Christopher Luxon met today with Samoa’s O le Ao o le Malo, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, who is making a State Visit to New Zealand. “His Highness and I reflected on our two countries’ extensive community links, with Samoan–New Zealanders contributing to all areas of our national ...2 weeks ago
- Island Direct eligible for SuperGold Card fundingTransport Minister Simeon Brown has announced that he has approved Waiheke Island ferry operator Island Direct to be eligible for SuperGold Card funding, paving the way for a commercial agreement to bring the operator into the scheme. “Island Direct started operating in November 2023, offering an additional option for people ...2 weeks ago
- Further sanctions against RussiaForeign Minister Winston Peters today announced further sanctions on 28 individuals and 14 entities providing military and strategic support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “Russia is directly supported by its military-industrial complex in its illegal aggression against Ukraine, attacking its sovereignty and territorial integrity. New Zealand condemns all entities and ...2 weeks ago
- One year on from Loafers LodgeA year on from the tragedy at Loafers Lodge, the Government is working hard to improve building fire safety, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “I want to share my sincere condolences with the families and friends of the victims on the anniversary of the tragic fire at Loafers ...2 weeks ago
- Pre-Budget speech to Auckland Business ChamberKa nui te mihi kia koutou. Kia ora and good afternoon, everyone. Thank you so much for having me here in the lead up to my Government’s first Budget. Before I get started can I acknowledge: Simon Bridges – Auckland Business Chamber CEO. Steve Jurkovich – Kiwibank CEO. Kids born ...2 weeks ago
- Labour warns consistency across teacher training programmes needed
The Opposition says it backs the government's teacher training plan but warns that an overview of the training industry is needed. ...1 hour ago - Open banking: How to opt in – and out – of the new payment systemNZ's four major banks will soon provide open banking - a new way to pay and track funds. Here's how it works. ...2 hours ago
- The plan to train – and retain – more teachers in New Zealand
A $53m budget boost will see 1,500 new teachers recruited over the next four years, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Another ...2 hours ago - NZ Post refusing to deliver to mailboxes of new Auckland developmentResidents say it's 'ridiculous' they have not received mail for a year, while they can see posties deliving letters down the road ...2 hours ago
- Here’s what Aotearoa might have looked like today if we legalised weed in 2020Four years ago, we voted against legalising cannabis. But what if the referendum had gone the other way? It’s a Saturday afternoon in Ponsonby, and an impeccably dressed woman is buying supplies for the 40th birthday party she is throwing herself that evening. After filling the car with drinks and ...4 hours ago
- Could Ray Chung really be the mayor of Wellington?Ray Chung is running for mayor. Who is he, and does he have a chance? Wellington editor Joel MacManus talks to the city councillor for the second edition of Windbag, The Spinoff’s Wellington issues column. Are we doing this already? The 2025 local body elections are 17 months away, but ...4 hours ago
- RMA reform targets coal mines on protected land
The first wave of RMA reforms focuses on freshwater policy, easing regulations on farmers and previously prohibited coal mines The post RMA reform targets coal mines on protected land appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 hours ago - Newsroom daily quiz, Monday 27 MayLoading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Monday 27 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 hours ago
- ‘You have your own battlefield, your father has his’The Olympics have a way of bringing into focus the world as it is right now. Each Games gifts us a snapshot of world history in the making. At Tokyo 2020 we witnessed mask-wearing athletes flanked by empty stands. In the 90s we grappled with new country names like Kazakhstan ...4 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Monday 27 MayThe post Daily crossword, Monday 27 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 hours ago
- New name, old gangs, same policingPolice are returning to crime-fighting ways of old in their fight against gangs, as technology becomes harder to hack, experts in New Zealand’s criminal underworld say. In light of the recent police announcement on national and local gang units, today’s episode of The Detail looks at how police and governments ...4 hours ago
- Govt targets a board asleep at the wheelComment: Overshadowed in the highly critical report by Sir Bill English and his team into Kāinga Ora’s finances, debt and performance was a rare public defenestration of the public housing agency’s board of directors. The review’s findings painted a board asleep at the wheel as billions of public money was ...4 hours ago
- Reserve Bank’s rough news for exports goalThe Reserve Bank’s monetary policy statement contains some bad news for the Government’s goal of doubling export value The post Reserve Bank’s rough news for exports goal appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 hours ago
- Finance Minister promises Budget Day transparency on public sector cutsExactly how the Government’s public sector savings target has been met will be revealed when the Finance Minister releases this year’s Budget The post Finance Minister promises Budget Day transparency on public sector cuts appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 hours ago
- US bird flu outbreak, not Australian cases, main concern for NZThe introduction of the virus to Antarctica and its mutation to spread between mammals in the United States has researchers worried about an outbreak in New Zealand The post US bird flu outbreak, not Australian cases, main concern for NZ appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 hours ago
- Is our investment in defence value for money?Opinion: All up, defence cost us more than $6.7 billion in 2023/24. There were 14,996 people working for the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) at June 2023, while others dealt with procurement and policy in the non-military wing, the Ministry of Defence. Why does our small, remote country have such ...4 hours ago
- Palestine protesters condemn Google, demand NZ action over Gaza genocide
Asia Pacific Report Pro-Palestinian protesters today condemned Google for sacking protesting staff and demanded that the New Zealand government immediately “cut ties with Israeli genocide”. Wearing Google logo masks and holding placards saying “Google complicit in genocide” and “Google drop Project Nimbus”, the protesters were targeting the global tech company ...7 hours ago - Reiki on a guinea pig and whatnot: Our first reactions to Married at First Sight NZFresh off the back of episode one of Married at First Sight NZ’s new season, Alex Casey and Tara Ward fire up the chat to dissect what the hell we all just watched. Alex Casey: Tara, are you still screaming? I’m screaming. Tara Ward: I started screaming the moment I ...13 hours ago
- Reiki on a guinea pig and whatnot: Our first reactions to Married at First Sight NZFresh off the back of episode one of Married at First Sight NZ’s new season, Alex Casey and Tara Ward fire up the chat to dissect what the hell we all just watched. Alex Casey: Tara, are you still screaming? I’m screaming. Tara Ward: I started screaming the moment I ...13 hours ago
- Top economists give budget modest rating and doubt inflation will fall as plannedSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Wes Mountain/The Conversation, CC BY-ND Asked to grade Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ third budget on his own criteria of delivering on “inflation in the near term and then growth ...13 hours ago
- Top economists take a modest view of the budget, and doubt inflation will fall as plannedSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Wes Mountain/The Conversation, CC BY-ND Asked to grade Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ third budget on his own criteria of delivering on “inflation in the near term and then growth ...14 hours ago
- West Papua independence group slams French ‘modern-day colonialism’Asia Pacific Report A West Papuan independence group has condemned French “modern-day colonialism in action” in Kanaky New Caledonia and urged indigenous leaders to “fight on”. In a statement to the Kanak pro-independence leadership, exiled United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) president Benny Wenda said the proposed electoral changes ...16 hours ago
- $53m extra for teacher training, recruitment, Education Minister Erica Stanford announcesThe investment is designed to address teacher shortages, and moving training into the classroom, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. ...17 hours ago
- Hunger Striker Destroys Christopher Luxon’s Defense Of Gaza Action
“The situation in Gaza is desperate,” Will Alexander said. “It’s obvious to everyone that if Christopher Luxon truly cared, our government could do a lot more.” ...19 hours ago - Parliament's election inquiry told blame lies in outdated lawsParliament begins its election inquiry with a double-header and finds that blame is something of a boomerang. ...20 hours ago
- ANALYSIS: By Nicole George, The University of Queensland New Caledonia’s capital city, Nouméa, has endured widespread violent rioting over the past three days. This crisis intensified rapidly, taking local authorities by surprise. Peaceful protests had been occurring across the country in the preceding weeks as the French National Assembly in ...21 hours ago
- The Fiji Times: Public outcry over Fijians’ MPs pay riseEDITORIAL: By Fred Wesley, editor-in-chief of The Fiji Times So 40 Fiji members of Parliament voted in favour of the Special Committee on Emoluments Report on the review of MPs’ salaries, allowances and benefits in Parliament on Friday. Now that’s not going down well with the masses, with many venting ...22 hours ago
- NZ spent $113m helping build and use US military satellitesThe money includes $15m towards sending up two new, much more powerful satellites. ...1 day ago
- An Ode to .. Chris BishopFirst Hovel Grant Bishop Chris ventured out of the High Keep For his annual tour of the slums of the Holey Land. His litter bearers held his palanquin high Above the muck strewn and dilapidated alleys Of the Capital. The menials and peons swarmed around And pleaded for Alms from ...1 day ago
- A way forward for New CaledoniaOpinion: Following France’s President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to New Caledonia on Thursday, attention has turned to the country’s political future beyond the ongoing crisis. The uprising, which began on May 14, has demonstrated the capacity and determination of those involved to shut down the country and to inflict extensive economic ...1 day ago
- Open letter from Kanaky: Things are really bad, we need to speed up decolonisationAsia Pacific Report By a Kanak from Aotearoa New Zealand in Kanaky I’ve been trying to feel cool and nice on this beautiful sunny day in Kanaky. But it has already been spoiled by President Emmanuel Macron’s flashy day-long visit on Thursday. Currently special French military forces are trying to ...1 day ago
- PNG landslide: Survivors of highlands disaster desperately seeking helpRNZ Pacific The survivors of a massive landslide in a remote village in Papua New Guinea’s highlands are still waiting for official help, more than 24 hours after the disaster. Hundreds are feared dead in Yambali village in Enga province after the landslide bulldozed homes and buried families alive early ...1 day ago
- Local officials fear fate of 300 missing people in remote PNG landslideBy Miriam Zarriga in Port Moresby The United States has said it is “ready to lend a helping hand” to the people of Mulitaka, Enga province, after a devasting landslide swallowed an entire village in Papua New Guinea’s highlands yesterday. US President Joe Biden and his wife said in a ...2 days ago
- Politics with Michelle Grattan: Andrew Bragg flags a coalition would use ‘coercion’ of the state...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Housing remains one of Australia’s most pressing issues in both state and federal politics. The RBA keeping rates up and high mortgage repayments have left many Australians struggling. For those Australians who don’t own a ...2 days ago
- Ours Not Mines Blasts Draft Minerals Plan Saying It Highlights The Current Government Lacks Economic...This plan lacks any thought on how to drive New Zealand forward. Giving away rare minerals owned by every New Zealander for a measly return of 2.1% to the crown last year is simply ludicrous. ...2 days ago
- Forest and Bird leader shut out of Shane Jones meeting by policeA West Coast conservation leader is lodging a complaint with Police after an officer barred her from a public meeting in Blackball, called by Resources Minister Shane Jones. The NZ First politician was in the historic coal-mining town on Thursday to launch the Government’s new draft minerals strategy, promising to ...2 days ago
- The Weekend: Working through life regrets in real timeEditor Madeleine Chapman meets an old rival and wonders what could’ve been. Mōrena and welcome to The Weekend, where dreams and regrets have time and space to flower. What’s the thing in your life that you wish you had given more energy to? It could be a relationship, an exam, ...2 days ago
- What it takes to be an Olympian and why you don’t have itThis year, Tori Peeters will compete at the Paris Olympics in the javelin. Ten years ago, Madeleine Chapman thought she might be in the same position. She talks to Peeters about what it takes to go all the way and mulls her own life decisions in the process. No New ...2 days ago
- ‘I was absolutely devastated’: Sara Wiseman on the moment she nearly quit actingThe star of High Country talks Tinkerbell, her love for Hawkeye Pierce and why a 98-year-old environmentalist is the most stylish man on television. Sara Wiseman has been a fixture on New Zealand television screens for nearly three decades. First appearing in Hercules and Xena Warrior Princess during the mid ...2 days ago
- At home with Brett and Angel, Married at First Sight NZ’s ‘fairytale’ coupleAlex Casey takes a trip to Lincoln to visit the only couple from the first season of Married at First Sight NZ that’s still together. To cross the threshold into Brett and Angel’s marital abode is to be greeted with a welcome that sums up the MAFSNZ season one golden ...2 days ago
- ‘There’s no better song to drink coffee to’: Troy Kingi’s perfect weekend playlistIn a new weekly interview series, we ask a different local artist to curate their dream weekend soundtrack. First up: Troy Kingi. Troy Kingi is a man on a well-documented mission to make 10 albums, in 10 genres, over 10 years. But finding himself creatively blocked while making his eighth ...2 days ago
- In the place I grew up, I am always lostReflections on a childhood split across Hong Kong and Auckland. The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand. I arrive in Hong Kong with my mother in the middle of summer. t’s not a good time to travel here, she tells me. It’s June. We’re ...2 days ago
- Palestine protesters call for Gaza press ‘solidarity’ at NZ media awardsPacific Media Watch Pro-Palestinian protesters dressed in blue “press” vests tonight staged a vigil calling on New Zealand journalists to show solidarity with the media of Gaza who have suffered the highest death toll in any war. They staged the vigil at the Viaduct venue of NZ’s annual Voyager Media ...2 days ago
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I think the removal of perscription charges is debatable.
Firstly, it is a blunt instrument, in that a lot of people who can afford the charges will get the benefit. So, it can be argued that a lot of that money is going to people who are not in need. Thus, it is not very effective targeting.
The second point is that the money could have arguably been used more effectively for health. For instance, by increasing the Pharmac budget so they could bring in some more effective drugs for people who really need them.
I think that is the key point … for a health system in dire crisis, there are much more pressing priorities. The $650,000,000 now taken out of the system could go such a long way to for example, as you suggest, properly funding Pharmac
Pharmac is being properly funded under Labour.
Define "properly funded".
From what I have seen, there is no shortage of people wanting this or that drug funded. The fact is, that if Pharmac had more money, they could fund more of those drugs.
Already answered you.
PHARMAC is not and has never been adequately funded in NZ.
Our access to modern and even post patent pharmaceuticals is very poor in comparison to similar countries.
Yeah. My son has Crohn's and up until recently, the medicine available was over 10 years out of date here in NZ. That has changed slightly, but only a very small percentage are going to get the good stuff atm.
"Pharmac is being properly funded under Labour."
Talk like that makes me think it's the red pom-poms that are fully funded.
Nothing has been taken out of the system, you just pay via income tax rather than at the counter.
The Labour govt are doing that.
"we have increased funding to Pharmac by 51 percent since 2017"
03.30
https://ondemand.parliament.nz/parliament-tv-on-demand/?itemId=232984
But, there is still more that could be funded, regardless of how much funding has been increased. And, given inflation over recent times, the effective percentage increase would be a lot less than 51%.
Regardless of your spin, Pharmac is now able to fund a lot more drugs under Labour than what they could prior.
It's amazing what you can do when you're prepared to run $7bn budget deficits and continue to blow your own capital and operating forecasts. Mind you, the gamers will be happy.
That's your opinion.
Again with the regressive tax which seems to be very popular with the right.
This charge, part charge in fact, is no longer flat (regressive), but now brought within the tax system (progressive). So it is now targeted because people on higher incomes pay more of it.
I can see the logic in this policy crumb being more targeted…but this one is all about the optics..
And the optics for national are bad ..
Not only will they gleefully fuck over the poor…(which we already knew..)
They have now revealed they will do the same to the sickest/suffering…
National have confirmed (for most) that they have no heart…
Hard for them to pretend to care..after this one..
I agree.
Just imagie what Willis will come out with when she finds out sbout the Tooth Fairy.
It's effect on the elderly should have given National pause – fixed incomes, and often on multiple medications, mean they will be paying attention to this. And National is consistently more popular among older than younger voters.
So, to answer Whaleoil's question, "Yes, yes they are".
Mr Smith Field.
Didn’t read, refuses to read or can’t read?
Must be a special advisor to Nicola Willis.
Although $706 million is a big sum for you or me, as a budget item it is not massive compared to some other big ticket items.
For National to go straight out and say they will reverse it they are either very brave or very stupid because it will be a recognisable and popular move that nearly everyone will benefit from at some time. A pledge to reverse it will give Labour plenty of ammunition for the election campaign.
Incidentally, I remember picking up a prescription from a chemist in the early 1970s for my parents and I had to pay 10 cents!
It depends what they do instead. So, if they ensure that low income people can still get the rebate, and put the money saved into more drugs from Pharmac, then people might be more accepting of the change.
But National are not saying what they would do instead, they are saying they it will repeal the Labour's removal of a $5 charge on medicine prescriptions if elected.
“Dropping the $5 prescription charge:
Many people seem confused about this.
It’s aims to reduce hospitalisations and time staying there:
Much better to ensure people don’t end up there unnecessarily. It also helps lighten the load on the hospitals”
https://twitter.com/BioinfoTools/status/1659123960234246152
The National government of the 1990s.
First thing you saw when you entered a public hospital – correction, they were known as Crown Health Enterprises (CHE's) – was a sign that read "Cashier".
That's what you will get under ACT/National once more.
Yes, true that.
Have people not heard of the Chemist Warehouse????
We have several of those in Christchurch. But, the likely counter argument is that not all areas have the Chemist Warehouse, yet.
Also, for people who have mobility or transport challenges, it's not easy to get to a chemist warehouse even in cities which have them. It's another barrier for marginalised people.
Pharmacies are convenient and usually situated close to GP clinics for that reason. Now people get the same service at the local pharmacy as they do at the chemist warehouse.
Much more tidy and fair.
Actually, no I haven't. What is it, what's so good about it?
Free prescriptions, so anyone living in a city has had this available to to them for a while.
In the South Island they only appear to be in Chch, Dndn and Blenheim. Also issues of accessing them in the cities that do have them.
I think that no prescription charges are also available in the pharmacies inside some of the Countdowns – yep.
https://www.countdown.co.nz/info/services/pharmacy
Again it is in-store only.
Chemist Warehouse is an Australian business. We support our local Chemist, and purchase some items online from CW. It is important to support local where possible, and to keep employment and easy access.
Jeepers Alan, do you want me to drive from Matamata to Hamilton or Tauranga every three months to get my regular meds, with the cost of petrol and parking charges thrown in for good measure. Last I heard, the Chemist Warehouse don't do online prescriptions and there would be a mailing charge to have them posted.
National gummit policy -funded and by Aussie chains.
Can’t wait to see them bring this compassion to Cyclone recovery and climate change!
I have seen people in Far North Chemists pick which of multiple prescription items they will take. Sometimes I have offered to pay for them as politely as possible, as have others, while the Chemists look on opaquely.
Strangely enough given Ms Willis’s statement that Natzos will reinstitute the $5 charge, ex Whangārei MP Dr Shane Reti used to make it a thing in the local community about his personally paying for people’s scripts too…
Yes TM not all National agree about this charge.
Nicola Willis' statement people can go to Chemist Warehouse is plain silly. Chemist Warehouse is not in all towns throughout New Zealand. A bit like saying go to the cheapest petrol station 40 kms away.
It is online though
which requires things like a permanent postal address, credit card, actual credit on the credit card, time and so on.
Shipping is $5.99 flat rate. Delivery to South Island is 3 – 4 days.
I think you and others are missing the point substantially. Removing the charge makes prescriptions more easily accessible to a wide range of people and situations and this means a decrease in delayed health care to the people who often need it the most. And a consequent saving of money for the state.
https://www.chemistwarehouse.co.nz/AboutUs/Shipping
I'm not missing the point. I'm just responding to people.
I don't know why National would make this the issue of the budget. Seems crazy
from the Chemist Warehouse website:
"Prescriptions are currently available in store only."
https://www.chemistwarehouse.co.nz/aboutus/prescriptions
Correct – although there are NZ pharmacies which do ship Rx and there will be substantially more over the coming years.
https://zoompharmacy.co.nz/services/
My thought exactly.
The thought of elitist idiot so divorced from reality that she clearly is incapable of looking at a website.
https://www.chemistwarehouse.co.nz/aboutus/store-locator
No store in Rotorua when my pensioner father lives. No store in Otaki, Invercargill, or just about anywhere where parts of my family live outside of Auckland and Christchurch.
Does she think that prescription drugs can be sold online in NZ? Because they cannot and for good reason. The Medicines Act 1984 is pretty specific about the handling of any prescription medicines. Essentially prescriptions get filled out in store at Chemist Warehouse or Countdown or almost anywhere else that they are dispensed.
Not to mention various international treaties that we are subject to.
I guess that people living too far from a Chemist Warehouse just aren't real people according to National.
Have to say that was a really stupid statement she made. Even for a conservative.
This blurt of Willis’s appears to be evidence that they are worried about ACT eating into their base, ….or, as much as I hate to agree with Cam Slater.. she just might really be a bit thick.
Well to come out so quickly, and possibly without much thought perhaps she has muddled the 'up here for thinking and down here for dancing' parts of the human body….or is she starting an excrutiatingly boring argument about angels dancing on pinheads?
While the inital reaction is to wonder if this might have been better targetted we then have to cost the processes to do this targetting. No child or adult in need should have their prescriptions left in a chemist's to be collected basket because of cost. That is not how they work.
There's abundant data on prescription charges (and plenty of overseas evidence, we're not the only country that has pharmacies).
It's not just about five bucks. It's about improving health outcomes and therefore saving taxpayers' money.
No good argument against scrapping the charge, only blinkered rejection of evidence.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/300801182/scrapping-5-prescription-fee-could-help-improve-kiwis-health-outcomes–study
Well, whatever the impact of the lifting of the pharmacy charges National has bitten thus underlining the lasting impact of the tale that includes
'come into my parlour said the spider to the fly……….'
And having bitten will find it hard to untangle themselves.
Chemist Warehouses are not situated in every suburb even in those cities where they are. Whereas pharmacies are local and convenient, and avoid having to traipse across to the CW on the other side of town using petrol and taking up time. For a so-called intelligent woman, Nicola Willis is incredibly stupid.
Going by the recent statement and others I've heard her pontificate on I rather think that she is exactly that, not very intelligent, hell, even Cam Slater agrees with me.
I'm only guessing here, but I think a few years ago Slater would have been in agreement with Willis.
But now that he's in need of more medication his attitude has changed.
It's how RWNJ's roll.
ill health turns everybody socialist.
I have no idea and little interest in what the tone of Slaters activism is these days, but I'd be incredibly surprised if it could be described as socialist. Accusing him of that would be the worst insult imaginable to him I'd have thought.
We're with you Patricia. We use CW for vitamins and the occasional specialist product. Our local Unichem for everything else.
What I don't want to see is what happened to small towns when The Warehouse opened up. Lots of small mum and dad shops going bust.
I use local chemist (unbranded) and for vitamins etc use Health Post which is a NZ company based in Golden Bay and which has an active revegetation programme that they subscribe to. This combo suits me on many levels even to the ability to recycle their sustainable packaging to send my TM sales out in.
Most of the time you can get a special that oiffers free postage
https://www.healthpost.co.nz/
Yes Stephen, we moan about the groceries, so we need to support our local Chemists. Our son had a Chemist friend. It was a very competitive field. He now does relief work in the Waikato, as there were too many chemists in Rotorua at that time. It is a demanding role, made more so with the arrival of covid.
Luxon's response is just as moronic.
Asked about National's position, Luxon said the party didn't support the policy being universal – meaning it applies to everyone.
"I don't think it makes a lot of sense that someone like me gets the benefit of that," he said.
However, he said he did see the need for helping those who "most desperately need it".
"I think targeting it to people with community services cards, for example, targeting to people with super gold cards would actually be the way in which we would go about doing that."
For people who are "doing it really tough" or "low-income folk and elderly folk", Luxon said there is a "really good case for actually giving targeted support and certainly making free prescriptions available for them."
He said: "I think if I can pay, I should pay".
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/05/budget-2023-christopher-luxon-clarifies-national-s-stance-on-5-prescription-fee.html
His position on prescription charges is that they should be targeted to people who are struggling i.e. not himself
His position on tax cuts is that the most well=off should benefit the most i.e. himself.
I'm so in favour of universal assistance with the cost to the well-off being gained back through higher taxation rates.
It is simpler, easier and cheaper to administer, you don't have to worry about moving the margins etc due to bracket creep and so on.
It is in effect what we used to do with universal family benefit and what we do with NZS. On super and want to still work – you can do so but your total income will be progressively taxed.
Tax cuts have just resulted in service reduction and user pays. If you are happy to pay for your prescription costs Mr Luxon then you should be happy to pay the extra tax to cover the cost. If you want less bureaucracy and fewer public servants then shove targeting out the window and support increased tax rates for those who may not need the assistance.
Too many well off have benefit envy since we started getting rid of universal assistance for tax cuts. They have the cuts but then moan their heads off about the bludgers getting what everyone used to get. Up their tax and give it back to them.
Universal family benefit
Free medicine
Tax rebates for non-working partners (would be interesting to see then how fewer people there would be on sole parent benefits)
Free education
The rich too can have it all. Targeting in a third world economy is just bull-shit.
luxos line will come back to haunt him. "if I can pay,I should pay" what a campaign statement!!!
Reminds me of Timothy Hutton in Turk 182.
Who knew, Zimmerman knew"
Has the same catchy tone.
"So why is a tax cut good but a reduction in Government charges bad?"
I'd be happy to answer your rhetorical question.
Cause the people who can't afford $5 prescriptions don't deserve medication. Living in mouldy homes, not being able to afford healthy food, their genetics, and other poor lifestyle choices or their own making is what made them sick. We'd only be encouraging them.
We're also meant to be moving towards a user-pays medical system. The market is the best judge at who needs treatment by limiting it to those capable of paying for it. You can't deny how much more efficient the American system is. That's what we need to be aiming for, we can't have Australia beat us to it.
Daniel, you may be joking but, so much of that is a true reflection of the attitudes sadly.
The efficiency of the US system is notoriously poor – they spend getting on for 16% of GDP for very mediocre outcomes – worse than Cuba, with unremarkable lifespans.
NZ is middle of the road with nearly 10% of GDP.
The most cost effective outfits, (Singapore, Taiwan & South Korea) spend roughly 5% for first world outcomes. Better we follow these than the insurance driven catastrophe in the US.
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/04/which-countries-have-the-most-cost-effective-healthcare/
There is a very simple way to make every household better off.
Leave the $5/item on prescriptions and retain the limit on the maximum that a household has to pay. Then raise the first tax threshold from $14,000 to $15,500. It is difficult to see how you could have a household where no-one at all was receiving an income of at least this amount. As long as there was one person in the household who was getting income of this amount you would have your tax reduced by $105/year which is more than any household has to pay for prescriptions.
Anyone in a household that had more than one income earner in the over $14,000 bracket or where the household had less than 20 prescriptions/year would be even better off.
How many households don't have anyone with an income of $14,500?
That's still less simple than just removing the cost and assumes that people still won't choose food or rent before medicine and so the aims of ensuring people get their medicine still won't be achieved.
Offhand…. I pay more than $105/year in prescriptions on my own. So you’re wanting a whole household to get all of their prescriptions for $105/year?
Also you have to remember that that these all pay tax.
Someone on unemployment benefit?
Someone on superannuation?
Someone on sickness benefit?
Oh I see what you mean – these are non-people? /sneer
But you’re making it a complicated system than what exists already. The pharmacies already put in a claim for prescriptions. This is exactly what they are doing now. The system exists. The accounting exists.
Are you really interested in inventing extra work because it makes some idiot politician look less like and idiot? Or is this just being punitive and making more work for everyone so everything gets less efficient.
Mind you that is the classic trade mark of Act and National – inefficient solutions because they make better slogans for the mindless fools who vote for them,
"I pay more than $105/year in prescriptions on my own"
Perhaps I can suggest a way to save you a little money then. I am assuming that they are medicines funded by Pharmac? If they aren't this will not apply but neither will the proposed "free" prescriptions. Read this link. The most important bit is this but that that the 20 is prescriptions for all the people in the family..
"If you’ve paid for 20 prescriptions in a year (from 1 February), you won’t have to pay the $5 charge for any new prescriptions until 1 February the next year."
https://www.govt.nz/browse/health/gps-and-prescriptions/prescription-subsidy-scheme/
If these people pay tax, and get more than $15,500/year thay will under my scheme pay less tax. Don't you want people on benefits to pay less tax? Are they "non-people" and do you really sneer at them?
"in inventing extra work"? Well no. There is nothing new to do. They do it all already.
Alwyn last visit to the Dr. was $19 x2 plus $40 x2 for our scripts. $118 with the community services card.
We get four lots of meds a year. granted after 20 items it becomes free. The point being, you have to pick up and pay to reach that 20 items. Some couldn't afford that.
"Some couldn't afford that".
I quite agree it is expensive for any medical care. The reason I nominated the tax rate change was purely to provide a means where the $5 charge for the first 20 prescriptions would be covered by the tax cut. At the moment the first $14,000 is taxed at 10.5% and from $14,000 to $48,000 at 17.5 %.
This on your first $15,500 on my scheme you would pay $1,627.50 whereas you now pay $1,732.5. This is where the $105 comes from which exceeds the $100 you have to pay now. Technically the cut in the tax rate would cover the levy and one should be very slightly better off.
I hope Lprent reads this. It seems to me that if he really is paying more than $100 for his prescriptions he should be complaining to his Pharmacist. They should have told him about it.
If he is getting drugs that Pharmac doesn't fully subsidise of course all bets are off. However the new scheme isn't going to help him anyway as it won't cover any but the basic items.
Read Act's Policy Alwyn. They want 17.5 % tax on the lowest level.
Perhaps you should read a little further they apparently also say that there would be a rebate at low incomes.
"In order to ensure that every earner would receive a tax cut, ACT would also create a new Low and Middle Income Tax Offset (LMITO), starting in fiscal year 2022/23. This tax offset would be worth $800 per annum for all earners earning between $12,000 and $48,000.".
At a glance that would appear to balance out the extension of the 17.5% at the bottom.
I am talking about the difference between National and Labour of course. I really don't think that the income tax policies of ACT, or TPM for that matter are going to take effect in 2024
So National are opposed to removing the $5 charge because the rich can afford it yet the rich need a far greater tax cut? They really have made a meal out of this bless them.
Bizarre – Luxon wants to pay for his prescriptions, but wants an $18,000 a year tax cut!
or 10 prescriptions a day
A question I have about the prescription charges is, should the government be subsidising big business? Because, presumably, the Chemist Warehouse and Countdown, that were doing prescriptions for free will now have the government pick up the tab for them.
I suspect that both were using it as a publicity 'loss leader' – getting people to source prescriptions there in the hope that they'd then buy other stuff.
I'm sure that both are sufficiently well-resourced to come up with another marketing gimmick.