Bill English
Focus on politics for 24 July 2009
The Public Service has been put on notice - the big spending years of large scale growth are over, and reform is coming. Audio
Commissioner says tough decisions needed on superannuation
The Retirement Commissioner says the age for collecting superannuation and the amount that is paid out has to change, but no government will face up to the challenge. Audio
Critics say questions remain on the national interest test
The question of ownership of Auckland international airport is squarely back in play with the Government moving to scrap the rules keeping strategic assets out of foreign hands. Audio
Opposition MPs warn key infrastructure will be left vulnerable
Opposition politicians are warning that moves to change the rules for foreign investment will put vital New Zealand assets at risk. Audio
The Government moves to scrap rules on strategic asset sales
The Government is going to scap rules that prevent the sale of strategic assets to foreigners. Audio
Opposition confident of bank presence at inquiry
MPs behind a renegade inquiry into bank interest rates say they already have assurances from"several"banks that they will participate. Audio
English responds to accusation of broken election promises
Finance Minister Bill English. Audio
Labour says Govt has abandoned public service cap
The Labour Party says it's now clear the Government has abandoned its promise cap public sector jobs. Audio
Business groups say more PPPs will help public sector
Business groups are backing the Treasury's calls for a rethink of how the public sector works, and say the country would benefit from more public private partnerships. Audio
New taskforce announced aimed at improving productivity
The widely tipped appointment of former National party leader Don Brash to lead a taskforce on productivity, has raised fears of a right wing agenda. Audio
Labour accused of backtracking on dole policy
The Government is accusing the Labour Party of backtracking on its policy to make the unemployment benefit available to more people. Audio
Trans-Tasman agreement over super savings
The Finance Minster and his Australian counterpart have signed the agreement allowing superannuation savings to be moved between the two countries. Audio
Government pledges economic growth to cut interest rates
The big banks are still refusing to cut their floating home loan rates. Audio
Unemployment starting to surge
Unemployment is starting to surge as the economy feels the full effects of the recession and more and more businesses lay off staff. Audio
Early education teachers rebuke govt for course cut
Early education teachers are criticising the government for axeing research they say is vital to improving teacher and childcare practice. Audio
The Budget axe has fallen
Finance Minister says the government did best it could to stave off effects of a worldwide recession. Audio
Promised tax cuts deferred in Budget 09
Bill English has delivered his first Budget and it's being described as one for the book-keepers. Audio
Budget 2009 - Part 6 The road to recovery
Hon. Bill English, Minister of Finance, delivers his Budget 2009 speech. The road to recovery. Audio
Budget 2009 - Part 5 Tax cuts deferred
Hon. Bill English, Minister of Finance, delivers his Budget 2009 speech. Tax cuts deferred. Audio
