KEY POINTS:
The main points from the Speech from the Throne
Promises to deliver personal tax cuts beginning on April 1 next year. There will be subsequent cuts on April 1 2010 and 2011. Mr Key says
this will result in 80 per cent of taxpayers paying no more
than 20c in tax for every additional dollar they earn.
A stepped-up programme of Government investment in infrastructure. New
roading and public transport projects, the improvement and expansion of school property and an ultra-fast broadband network. This investment will create jobs and economic stimulus.
Reform of the Resource Management Act. Will improve the consent process, then turn to decision-making around infrastructure, water and urban design.
Invest 40 per cent of the $14 billion Superannuation Fund in New Zealand, rather than the present 25 per cent.
Reduce the minimum Kiwisaver employer and employee contributions to 2
per cent of an employee's salary.
Halt the growth in Government bureaucracy. Undertake a regulatory review
programme to remove inefficient and superfluous regulation.
Review the Emissions Trading Scheme, finding a way to meet Kyoto obligations with least cost to New Zealand's society and economy.
Lift education standards, introducing "plain English" national standards to primary schools, "trades in schools" to secondary schools, and a
"youth guarantee" giving those aged 16 and 17 an entitlement to education outside schools.
Introduce voluntary bonding schemes based on student loan write-offs for
graduates who go to hard-to-staff areas.
Get tough on crime, starting with military-style camps for youth offenders. Strengthen sentencing, parole and bail laws. Put additional police officers in South Auckland. Give police power to issue on-the-
spot protection orders for domestic violence and the ability to take DNA from offenders upon arrest. Give victims enhanced rights and support, bring new focus to rehabilitation, including compulsory work programmes.
Reduce wasteful bureaucracy in health, reduce waiting lists, address workforce crisis. Make better use of private sector. Give health
professionals a greater say in running the system.
Will establish relationships with non-government and voluntary
groups in welfare.
Work with Maori to settle all historical treaty claims by 2014. Review
seabed and foreshore legislation. Consider constitutional issues,
including Maori seats.
Repeal the Electoral Finance Act , and have a binding referendum on
MMP.