Nicola vs Grant
Grant Robertson’s 2023 Budget included forecasts for 2026/27. This allows us to directly compare what Grant Robertson said Labour would spend in 26/27 vs what Nicola Willis said she would spend.
Grant said he would spend $31.6 billion on health. Nicola Willis announced $33.9 billion. That’s $2.3 billion more, or 7.2% greater, And again this is comparing 26/27 vs 26/27. The actual increase from 23/24 is 20.2%. So Nicola Willis has funded the health system 20% greater than in 2023, and 7% greater than Labour promised in 2023.
Grant said he would spend $20.9 billion on education. Nicola Willis announced $24.1 billion. That’s $3.2 billion more, or 15.3% greater, And again this is comparing 26/27 vs 26/27. So Nicola Willis has funded the rducstuon system 15% greater than Labour promised in 2023.
Cutting back office expenditure does allow you to spend more on frontline services.
Anyone who claims this is an austerity budget is either one of:
- Certifiable
- Stupid
- Dishonest