May 22, 2023
Balanced Budget food for public health
Māori public health advocacy group Hāpai te Hauora says Budget 2023 takes a responsible approach to balancing immediate needs with long-term sustainability.
Interim chief executive Jason Alexander says extending ECE payments, maintaining the free school lunches program and removing prescription co-payments will make a difference in the pockets of families today.
Investments in building new housing as well as upgrading existing stock, improving immunisation rates and growing the health workforce will show benefits in the future.
Mr Alexander says there is still a critical need for more funding for mental health and to strengthen social safety nets to prevent vulnerable populations from falling through the cracks.