8. RUSSELL FAIRBROTHER (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister for Social Development and Employment
What recent reports, if any, has she received on the Working for Families package?
Hon RUTH DYSON (Minister for Social Development and Employment) Link to this
I have seen a transcript from yesterday’s Television One Breakfast programme where the Leader of the Opposition said he still regards the Working for Families package as “communism by stealth” but that his party will not change it. It is not surprising that his backbench are a little embarrassed that their leader not only confirms his view that Working for Families is a “communism by stealth” plot but also now supports it.
Russell Fairbrother Link to this
Has the Minister received any other reports on the Working for Families package?
Yes, I have. In the same Breakfast transcript Mr Key said that National’s tax policies would make changes to the Working for Families package. That statement follows similar contradictory statements made by Mr Key in an earlier television interview where he hinted at changing the Working for Families abatement threshold. He is either in denial about the no-change position because he has no new ideas, or maybe he is just being consistently not up front.