# Election 2026: Greens call ACT fiscal plan 'welfare for the wealthiest'

> Greens label ACT fiscal plan as 'welfare for the wealthiest' amid policy clashes.
- Title: Election 2026: Greens call ACT fiscal plan 'welfare for the…
- Summary: Greens label ACT fiscal plan as 'welfare for the wealthiest' amid policy clashes. The Greens criticized ACT's fiscal plan as 'welfare for the wealthiest'…
- Keywords: act, greens, fiscal plan, welfare, carbon tax, opportunity, election 2026, national, labour, new zealand first, dame jacinda ardern, politics
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/politics_election-2026/1835030/election-2026-as-it-happened-11-oct-greens-label-act-fiscal-plan-welfare-for-the-wealthiest-opportunity-seeks-answers-over-assumptions
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-11T04:35:35+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: act, greens, fiscal plan, welfare, carbon tax, opportunity, election 2026, national, labour, new zealand first, dame jacinda ardern, politics
## ACT fiscal plan unveiled
ACT revealed its fiscal plan promising to cut debt and spending, raise superannuation age by three months yearly, and cut disability benefits by $653 million.
## Greens label plan 'welfare for the wealthiest'
The Greens called ACT's fiscal plan 'welfare for the wealthiest' and Labour accused it of 'punching down'.

> welfare for the wealthiest
## Opportunity questions carbon tax refund
Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong questioned how ACT would deliver a $100 household carbon tax refund without recent ETS auction bids.
## ACT responds to carbon tax concerns
ACT said it would remove the price floor on carbon units to ensure they sell.
## Greens announce youth jobs policy
The Greens will guarantee jobs for every young New Zealander aged 16 to 24 out of work for six months or more.
## National mandates Year 11 completion
National requires students to complete Year 11 to ensure full compulsory science, english and maths education.
## Labour reinstates school lunches
Labour will reinstate school lunches for 244,400 students starting in 2028 at $5 per meal.
## New Zealand First proposes visa changes
New Zealand First plans to scrap the Accredited Working Visa and replace it with a 'shortage-led' Skilled Work Visa.
## Dame Jacinda Ardern returns for Labour donations
Former PM Dame Jacinda Ardern sent an email urging Labour supporters to donate to the campaign.
## Key takeaway

The Greens criticized ACT's fiscal plan as 'welfare for the wealthiest' while Opportunity questioned its carbon tax refund strategy.