# 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. Greens accuse ACT of targeting wealthy households with its fiscal plan…
- Keywords: breaking, act, greens, fiscal plan, welfare, wealthy, carbon tax, labor, national, election 2026, politics, news
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/politics_election-2026/1835030/live-peters-labels-plan-to-cut-foreign-aid-mindless-ahead-of-act-fiscal-plan-launch
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-11T04:35:35+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: breaking, act, greens, fiscal plan, welfare, wealthy, carbon tax, labor, national, election 2026, politics, news
## ACT fiscal plan reveals cuts
ACT unveiled 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 accused the party 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 bids in the most recent ETS auction.
## 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 leader Christopher Luxon vowed to make completing year 11 mandatory for students.
## Labour reinstates school lunch program
Labour confirmed its plan to reinstate school lunches from 2028 covering 244,400 students at $5 per meal.
## NZ First proposes visa changes
New Zealand First plans to scrap the Accredited Working Visa and replace it with a 'shortage-led' Skilled Work Visa.
## Ardern returns to campaign for Labour
Former PM Dame Jacinda Ardern sent an email urging Labour supporters to donate to the campaign.
## Key takeaway

Greens accuse ACT of targeting wealthy households with its fiscal plan, while Labour questions assumptions about carbon tax refunds.