Goff’s response to Key

Written By: - Date published: 2:53 pm, February 9th, 2010 - 79 comments
Categories: Parliament, phil goff - Tags:

Even National Party pollster, David Farrar, could only give Key’s speech a B

Goff says that it’s ‘Alan Bollard 1, John Key 0’. There’s talk of a step change but no actual plan that will close the gaps. ‘No bold plan, no plan at all’

‘Big Tuesday? More like tip-toe Tuesday’

Rubbishs the notion that National’s tax changes would be for everyone. Says NZers know that National won’t produce a tax package that is fair to all NZers. Look at the record, last tax cuts most of the money went to the privileged few. No NZ family under $40K got any tax cut at all.

Key was silent on cutting the top tax rate but has been promising it to his mates. Key would get $500 a week from eliminating top tax rate, head of Telecom $2000 a week. What does a minimum wage worker get? Nothing from tax cuts. 25 cent increase.

The person on $70K gets $12.69 a week from cutting top rates, compare that to the PM’s $509.

Goff opposes GST increase emphatically.

Who are the winners and losers out of National’s tax changes? The winners are Key’s mates on high incomes. The losers are typical Kiwis.

Regrets the lack of substance, conviction, anything new of Key’s speech. Lack of vision.

Key’s discovery of the importance of R&D ironic given he has cut millions from R&D. If we want to close the gap, we should be following Aussie’s lead – 25% increase in R&D. Gap on R&D has got wider, gap on unemployment has got wider. Aussie has a government that believes in doing something, that believes in bringing down unemployment. We have a do nothing government – no wait, we had the jobs summit, Key’s ‘do-fest’.

Key talks about youth guarantee but 1 in 5 young people out of work or education. Shame on Maori Party for supporting the government when 1 in 4 young Maori out of work – a flag on a bridge not important compared to opportunity for young people.

Aussie did it right – stimulus, unemployment going down. We’re going the opposite way.

National has a problem with not listening. Won’t listen to Bollard. Won’t listen to John Hattie on national standards. Pita Sharples got told to shut up on national standards, then bought off – Maori schools exempt from national standards.

56% of Kiwis got no wage or salary increase last year. But the cost of living rose. Now Key is promising to worsen that with GST increase.

Key promised to help the poor and vunerable. Key exploited Aroha and Joan Nathan before the election, then sacked after the election. Jackie Blue lied about combining offices with Sam Lotu-Liga.

Quotes from Joan Nathan: ‘Key has just made it harder for us, and easier for the higher ups’. Key’s double standards, political exploitation.

Key has no plan to take the country forward, let alone catch up with Aussie as promised.

This is a very impressive performance by Goff. He has really outshone Key here and skewered the hollow promises and big talk of this do nothing government.

Interesting to see Russel Norman also using the language of wealthy bludgers. Actually a very good speech from Norman on the fallacy of obsessing over GDP growth.

79 comments on “Goff’s response to Key ”

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  1. Mr Magoo 1
    9 February 2010 at 3:04 pm

    Listening now.

    Have to hand it to him. A+.

    Forcefully given. All points covered in the short time. Examples given.

    Unlike the snarky/snide way Key took digs, Goff delivers the criticism with conviction and passion.

    He occasionally stumbles a little bit on his speech though. A bit overcome with the volume and force I think.

    New found respect there. He actually sounded like a leader.

    Of course these are the words. Actions are another thing. 🙂

    • Mr Magoo 1.1
      9 February 2010 at 3:24 pm

      Captcha: GOVERNMENT

      The example at the end about the lady national used up and threw away was priceless. Throwing her own words in key’s face was the shining moment in the speech for me.

      Spoken by a person who has been most hurt by their policies and attitudes.

  2. felix 2
    9 February 2010 at 3:05 pm

    Goff’s tearing him to shreds. Good to see.

  3. Loco 3
    9 February 2010 at 3:06 pm

    Goff is fired up, one of his better speeches.

    Some big hits on key.

  4. sean 4
    9 February 2010 at 3:08 pm

    You guys forget that Labour had 3 terms to do something radical and all they could come up with is blowing out their spending and cynically taxing the top producers in the country (forcing them to leave or reorganise).

    What is so bad about increasing consumption tax and reducing income tax and taxes on savings? After all the criticism of our debt fuelled society, surely this is a move in the right direction……

    • the sprout 4.1
      9 February 2010 at 3:13 pm

      flat taxes are regressive taxes

    • Mr Magoo 4.2
      9 February 2010 at 3:22 pm

      You seem to forget what you said is not actually true and just a right wing meme you guys like to throw about.

      Working for families and kiwisaver as the first two examples anyone??

      How about reducing debt from 30+% to less than 20% just before the recession so we did not fall over?

      Go back to your cave.

      • sean 4.2.1
        9 February 2010 at 5:49 pm

        So, exactly how is Working For Families made any difference to the wider economy? Didn’t we go backwards in the OECD rankings on its watch?

        Putting 50% of families on a benefit paid out of other peoples tax is not a way of moving our country forwards.

        Epic. Fail. Is that seriously all you could come up with?

        Maybe you should go back to your cave.

    • Clarke 4.3
      9 February 2010 at 3:26 pm

      As entertaining as your comment might be, it’s a pity it’s not reality-based.

      Under nine years of Labour the unemployment rate fell, incomes increased, the deficit fell, surpluses were generated, and the wealth of New Zealanders increased. Under Key we’ve seen none of that – and based on the anemic performance we saw this afternoon, his reputation of “style over substance” looks set to continue.

  5. big bruv 5
    9 February 2010 at 3:12 pm

    Just how long will you people put up with Goff missing out on these golden opportunities?

    Neville Key delivered a speech lacking in vision, lacking in aspiration, lacking in ambition and most of all lacking the tough choices this nation has to take.

    So what does Goff do in reply, nothing….the same old tired hard left ranting and raving.

    Key is vulnerable, the public are sick of waiting, if only you guys could get your act together then we might see a real choice for the voters on NZ.

    • tracey 5.1
      9 February 2010 at 3:40 pm

      big bruv

      Couldn’t agree more… if you shut your eyes and turned the clock back to 2007…. Nat were Labour and Labour were act…

      Nothing changes… this country voted for change it just didnt know that the fine print said CHANGE just not yet….

  6. Anne 6
    9 February 2010 at 3:19 pm

    Congratulations to Phil Goff. Excellent speech. Notice how sour the Nats looked? Loved it 😀

  7. Bed Rater 7
    9 February 2010 at 3:25 pm

    Booooring.

    Everyone loves a progressive tax system, but nobody likes the inevitable ‘imbalances’ you get when tax cuts are applied.

    You pay more tax, you get a bigger piece of the pie when it comes to tax cuts. Simple.

    • Clarke 7.1
      9 February 2010 at 3:29 pm

      Only when you apply the tax cuts at the top rate rather than the bottom rate. If Key was interested in equity – which he plainly isn’t – then he’d give every taxpayer in the country an equal $2,000 rebate, like they did in Australia.

      Now that’s one part of “catching up to Australia” he’s not interested in pursuing!

      • tracey 7.1.1
        9 February 2010 at 3:38 pm

        The other part of “catching up” that we wont hear Brash ACT or the Nats talk about is the strong unions over there…

        30 years ago our wages were higher than Oz and we had strong unions. They still have strong unions, ours are much weaker. Right or wrong, am just stating how it is.

        The gap closing with Australia is a red herring to get through pay-back policies for the help to end the 9 years in the wilderness.

  8. mickysavage 8
    9 February 2010 at 3:30 pm

    Go Phil

    He is much more focussed and precise this year. At times last year I used to pull my hear out but not any more.

    Good old fashioned socialist tub thumping speech.

  9. tracey 9
    9 February 2010 at 3:36 pm

    I would prefer to see two things happen tax-wise

    Increase the level at which ANY income tax kicks in;
    Increase the point at which the top rate kicks in

    That is more palatable to me and I am in the $100k -ish household.

    I think it is fairer across the board, then I think increasing GST would be more palatable. I confess I dont completely understand the fiscal neutral stuff, giving with one hand to take away wth the other

    • Peter 9.1
      9 February 2010 at 4:14 pm

      I agree, Between myself and the wife we are well in the top tax bracket, but with 3 young children , get no assistance of any kind from anyone.

  10. mickysavage 10
    9 February 2010 at 3:36 pm

    Rodney Hide is showcasing the quality of the Government’s economic policies by talking about …

    Climate Change?

    WTF?

  11. Tom 11
    9 February 2010 at 3:41 pm

    Rodney Rorter, the Clmate change denier??

    say it aint so. It be rainin pigs next…

  12. bobo 12
    9 February 2010 at 3:42 pm

    Great speech by Goff , nice to see some fire in his belly and spoke with passion. Complete opposite to Key who looked nervous and never made eye contact with Goff the whole time looked weak. Will be interesting to see how the MSM interprets both speeches if they just ignore Goff as usual.

    • kiwiteen123 12.1
      9 February 2010 at 3:48 pm

      The MSM is traditionally very pro-labour. If they do not support Goff, that is saying something.

      • bobo 12.1.1
        9 February 2010 at 3:59 pm

        I just want them to show highlights of the speeches nothing more. Russell Norman had some good lines about the big bank heads not being done for fraud unlike the average kiwi if they avoided tax, but his delivery was weak, Metiria would have been better I think.

      • mickysavage 12.1.2
        9 February 2010 at 4:01 pm

        The MSM is traditionally very pro-labour

        Spoken like a true wingnut.

        Any chance of some supporting proof?

      • Sam 12.1.3
        9 February 2010 at 4:10 pm

        What planet have you been on for the last 6 (or more) years?

      • Matt Andrews 12.1.4
        9 February 2010 at 4:33 pm

        “MSM is traditionally very pro-labour”????? Read the NZ Herald ever?

        And just wait for the TV tonight. “Duncan Espiner” will rate Key as “exciting” and rave about how cool it will be for people like them to get a tax cut.

  13. Zaphod Beeblebrox 13
    9 February 2010 at 3:46 pm

    Did you see Key and English’s body language listening to Phil. I hope they show that on the news.
    The bit where he skewers the Maori party deerves to be seen again as well.

    • bobo 13.1
      9 February 2010 at 3:52 pm

      I saw Key doing that thing people do at parties when no one is talking to them during Goff’s speech, pretend you have a txt msg or fiddle with your phone.. It reminded me a bit of the office. Notice during Keys speech he faced away from the opposition the whole time, cant remember him doing that last year I might be wrong though.

  14. aj 14
    9 February 2010 at 4:01 pm

    Anderton – brilliant.

    His closing reference was perfect.

    • big bruv 14.1
      9 February 2010 at 4:02 pm

      Anderton – Irrelevant.

      • kiwiteen123 14.1.1
        9 February 2010 at 4:11 pm

        @ big bruv
        Lol.

      • DeeDub 14.1.2
        9 February 2010 at 5:49 pm

        More relevant than you, dickhead. Although please do let us know when you’re elected to anything beyond President of your fantasy wingnut online world.

        • kiwiteen123 14.1.2.1
          9 February 2010 at 5:53 pm

          No need to get personal.
          The internet is a bad world.
          I suggest you discuss the topic not ma and/or Big Bruv.

          • felix 14.1.2.1.1
            9 February 2010 at 6:15 pm

            I suggest you stop pretending this is your blog before you get sent to your room you cheeky monkey.

            • kiwiteen123 14.1.2.1.1.1
              9 February 2010 at 6:30 pm

              I don’t think this is my blog.
              I just think that there is no need to get personal and call people dickheads. S/He can criticise my views all they want. I won’t stop them.
              My point is that swearing and abusing people (not their beliefs) is wrong and gets one nowhere.

              • felix …
                9 February 2010 at 6:39 pm

                In that case I suggest you go fuck yourself.

              • kiwiteen123 …
                9 February 2010 at 6:43 pm

                Now, Now.
                May I suggest you take yourself away from the computer and take a few deep breaths.

              • felix …
                9 February 2010 at 6:53 pm

                That’s it. I’m telling your mum.

              • kiwiteen123 …
                9 February 2010 at 7:16 pm

                Ignoring the age-based stereotypes…
                You are upset with me because I didn’t like it when you acted like an 11 yo who has just discovered swear words.
                All I have done is told you to grow up and be sensible and reasonable.
                Clearly that was to much to ask.

              • felix …
                9 February 2010 at 7:30 pm

                What makes you think I’m upset?

                You know I thought you were an old man using a perv’s name (because of your clunky use of language, mostly) but your bizarre reactions and behaviour are making me think you might actually be a child.

                Bit sad either way really.

              • kiwiteen123 …
                9 February 2010 at 7:35 pm

                What clunky language?
                It’s a bit weird to tell someone to “go fuck yourself” if you are not upset.

              • felix …
                9 February 2010 at 7:37 pm

                You should get out more.

              • kiwiteen123 …
                9 February 2010 at 7:41 pm

                I used to have some respect for you but you are acting stupidly tonight. Perhaps you forgot your medicine? Maybe you are a bit drunk? Hang in there go take a walk. Breath in some fresh air and come back and start acting your age.
                You make some good points. Swearing make you look like a troll.
                Move on. Get over it and don’t insult people.

              • felix …
                9 February 2010 at 7:44 pm

                And there’s that clunky language again.

                Go fuck yourself, kT.

              • kiwiteen123 …
                9 February 2010 at 7:46 pm

                and there’s that stupid arrogance.
                I suggest you get over yourself and discuss the topic.

              • felix …
                9 February 2010 at 7:57 pm

                Ah, you and your suggestions.

                I’m definitely telling your mum what you’re up to.

              • kiwiteen123 …
                9 February 2010 at 7:58 pm

                That my friend would be stalking.

              • felix …
                10 February 2010 at 12:41 am

                Nah, it’s called pillow talk.

                Stalking is what you do with your weird little blog.

  15. Tony Milne 15
    9 February 2010 at 4:04 pm

    Great speech from Goff. Excellent content. Excellent delivery. Where Key was tentative and unsure, Goff was forceful and certain.

    Goff is starting to lay out a solid platform for the next Labour Government.

    Goff is looking like a Prime Minister in waiting.

    • kiwiteen123 15.1
      9 February 2010 at 4:07 pm

      All he needs now is some votes and he’ll be PM in no time…

    • big bruv 15.2
      9 February 2010 at 4:14 pm

      What are you on about Tony?

      Goff laid out no pathway, offered no alternatives nor did he score any decent hits on Neville Key.

      If an old fashioned socialist rant is all it takes to please Labour party members then you guys are destined to see Neville Key as PM for a long time to come.

      • aj 15.2.1
        9 February 2010 at 4:17 pm

        Did John mention how much cycleway he’s laid out?

      • Tony Milne 15.2.2
        9 February 2010 at 4:36 pm

        Phil’s alternative speech “Higher Incomes: The Prime Minister’s Statement To Parliament (As proposed by The New Zealand Labour Party)”, combined with his “The Many. Not The Few” speech together start to outline a specific programme.

        He was also very clear in todays speech about what is in and what is out. And GST increase is out.

        You may not agree with it, but that’s not the point.

  16. bobo 16
    9 February 2010 at 4:11 pm

    “He has finally shown his colours. He is a mediocre leader without the vision or the ability to change New Zealand. He is a seat-warmer who is too scared to scare the masses.”

    I guess Bernard Hickey is off Keys BBQ pool party invite list from today…

    • big bruv 16.1
      9 February 2010 at 4:16 pm

      Hickey is 100% correct.

      • gitmo 16.1.1
        9 February 2010 at 4:25 pm

        Goff or Key same reaction from everyone apart from the rampantly partisan ………….zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz more waffle and crap.

    • gingercrush 16.2
      9 February 2010 at 4:21 pm

      Bernard Hickey is a very strange person. He wants no WFF, interest on student loans, a 25 cent flat tax, a severe cut to Super Annuation and increasing the age of retirement, a land tax or capital gains tax and a complete restructuring for rental properties. Not to mention major cutting of government spending.

      Basically Hickey is like Don Brash except he wants more focus on the productive sector and sees housing as the devil.

      I will never understand and the left often do support many of what Hickey has to say. Because underneath it all what Hickey wants to see would be unfathomable to most on the left.

  17. bobo 17
    9 February 2010 at 4:26 pm

    I agree GC Bernard is very selective in what he wants. I think he is pissed off mostly about Key ruling out a capital gains tax which really would have been better than raising gst. I put that comment up as I thought Bernard was in the Key camp, I’m no fan of Bernard.

  18. tc 18
    9 February 2010 at 4:34 pm

    Supercity being slammed through and alot of the hobbling and payback done under urgency like ACC/ETS without going near the debacle that is Tolley, the pathological liar Smith is, and the environmental vandal Gerry is leads me to one conclusion.

    It’s a single term no ideas gov’t and it knows it so watch it slam through no end of extra ‘looking after our mates’ stuff, in between PR opportunities that will take the next gov’ts more then a term to unwind.

    History repeats people…..Johnny clown will depart before the end of 2012 and enjoy the better travel times to his Omaha mansion….thanks Joyce.

  19. Jem 19
    9 February 2010 at 4:52 pm

    It was the best I’ve heard Goff. I thought the only thing missing (and maybe I missed it as I didn’t quite catch the whole thing) was Phil saying loud and clear “LABOUR WILL REPEAL ANY INCREASE IN GST’.

  20. gingercrush 20
    9 February 2010 at 5:03 pm

    The four percent growth expected this year must be shared among all New Zealanders, Mr Goff says.
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10625075

    What the fuck is Goff smoking? This is the same weird as fuck economic growth story we were getting from his other speech. Who the hell is advising Goff on economic matters?

  21. kiwiteen123 21
    9 February 2010 at 5:51 pm

    I just read the speech.
    All though I don’t agree with his points, they are good ones.
    For all except one of his comments I agreed as much as I could with Goff and Labour – I can see who he thinks that even though I don’t.
    His personalizing of how much extra money Key would get a week was not necessary. I note he didn’t quote his own gains.

  22. Jan Black 22
    9 February 2010 at 5:56 pm

    kiwiteen123 “What … is Goff smoking?” Probably the same thing as those zany guys at Westpac
    We expect GDP to grow by an above average 3.7% pace in calendar 2010, and 4.3% in calendar 2011
    http://www.westpac.co.nz/olcontent/olcontent.nsf/content/FM_Economic_Overview_Jan2010/$FILE/QEOJan10.pdf

  23. Con 23
    9 February 2010 at 6:45 pm

    “empathically”?

  24. mummybot 24
    9 February 2010 at 9:46 pm

    Nah, emphatically 😉

  25. Jon 25
    9 February 2010 at 11:30 pm

    A NZ family earning under 40K is not likely to be paying any tax at all after WFF is taken into account. They get another handout under this change to balance the GST increase.
    Whenever a rich person gets a bit more money you envious pricks lose your minds.
    I’m in neither camp myself, I’m the guy who’s actually working for families – other peoples.
    No breaks for me just increased prices.

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