August 16, 2023
Anecdotes perk up Jackson as GST policy pounded
Māori Development Willie Jackson is rejecting criticism from public health and anti-poverty groups of Labour’s election cost of living proposal.
Health Coalition Aotearoa says removing GST from kai won’t help those low income and no income whānau who can’t afford fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables now.
Minister Jackson says he’s heard nothing but support from Māori whānau around the motu.
“They’re really pleased with that plus with the tax credit we’re giving them in terms of Working for Families, we’re talking about a $30 increase for whanau and there’s been a lot of tautoko, a lot of support coming from whanau around the country. They can say whatever they like, I can only go by anecdotal stuff that I’m getting and there’s a lot of support for what we’re doing,” he says.
The package also includes the option of four weeks paid leave for the parental partner, which can be taken at the same time or after the primary carer’s six month parental leave entitlement – and is on top of the current statutory right to two weeks of unpaid leave.