From RNZ · RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa · · 1m 10s
ACT under fire for disability benefits cuts
ACT faces backlash over proposed $653m disability benefits cuts in fiscal plan.
In brief
ACT faces backlash over proposed $653m disability benefits cuts in fiscal plan. ACT plans to cut disability benefits by $653 million over four years, sparking criticism from opposition parties and disability advocates. Originally reported by RNZ.
ACT fiscal plan
ACT released its fiscal plan on Sunday at a photography studio on Auckland's Karangahape Road.
David Seymour's criticism
Seymour criticized government's economic handling, saying fiscal blowout during covid has not been repaired.
Tax cut approach
ACT opts for small and strategic tax cuts rather than broader income tax cuts.
Disability benefits cut
ACT plans to cut disability benefits by $653 million over four years.
Medical certification requirement
ACT requires independent medical certification against clear criteria for health and disability benefits.
National's response
National's finance spokesperson Nicola Willis defended fiscal repair despite global headwinds.
Disability advocate reaction
Independent disability advocate Jane Carrigan called cuts a 'vicious blow' to disabled people.
“vicious blow”
Green Party criticism
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick called cuts a 'shovel money upwards, starve everyone else' policy.
“shovel money upwards, starve everyone else”
Labour's response
Labour's finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds called ACT's plan 'punching down'.
At a glance
ACT plans to cut disability benefits by $653 million over four years, sparking criticism from opposition parties and disability advocates.
