✨ Speech from the Throne
9 NOVEMBER 2005
NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE, No. 187
Further development will also be undertaken on the evolution of the new benefit structure focused on providing work opportunities for all New Zealanders.
My government has also prioritised lifting living standards for families. Working for Families represents the biggest boost for families on low incomes in over thirty years, and the biggest offensive on child poverty New Zealand has seen for decades. The decision to have children, and to raise a family, must not prevent New Zealanders sharing in the success of a growing economy.
Starting next year, my government will provide additional targeted tax relief to many families with children, as well as additional support for childcare. It will mean tax relief for every low and middle income family with children in New Zealand, as well as for many larger families on higher incomes.
My government is also committed to supporting New Zealanders find a better work-life balance. From 2007, all workers will be entitled to four weeks’ annual leave.
My government will continue to ensure that we have a fair system of industrial relations. In line with the support agreements with other parties, the minimum wage will continue to be increased, with a view to the adult rate being set at $12 per hour by the end of 2008 if economic conditions permit. Initiatives will also be taken to remedy the difficulties which have arisen with the Employment Relations Act provisions relating to vulnerable workers.
Honourable members,
Along with providing opportunities for all New Zealanders, my government is committed to ensuring security for those who need it. Decent health care, superannuation, and the social security system are central to our people’s sense of security.
My government’s priorities in health are to focus on primary health care through the continued roll out of accessible and affordable primary services; the implementation of preventative health care services; and increasing elective surgery numbers through initiatives such as the orthopaedics and cataracts projects.
Special attention will be paid to children. My government will work actively with other parties towards the objective of free primary health care for all under six year olds. Access to Well Child checks for pre-school children will also be extended.
A free "School Ready" check for all children before starting school will be implemented, including access to immunisations, and hearing and vision checks. All newborn children will be provided with a free hearing test, and there will be significant investments in improving dental services for children and young people over the next three years.
As part of the agreement with United Future, my government will develop a long-term medicines strategy to ensure quality pharmaceutical usage in the health sector.
4705
Next Page →
Online Sources for this page:
VUW Te Waharoa —
NZ Gazette 2005, No 187
Gazette.govt.nz —
NZ Gazette 2005, No 187
✨ LLM interpretation of page content
🏛️
Speech from the Throne at the State Opening of Parliament
(continued from previous page)
🏛️ Governance & Central Administration8 November 2005
Governor-General, Parliament, State Opening, Economic Growth, Fiscal Policy, KiwiSaver, Education, Innovation, Working for Families, Child Poverty, Annual Leave, Minimum Wage, Employment Relations Act, Health Care, Superannuation, Social Security, Primary Health Care, Preventative Health Care, Elective Surgery, Well Child Checks, School Ready Check, Immunisations, Hearing and Vision Checks, Newborn Hearing Test, Dental Services, Medicines Strategy