Phil Goff: Those under $40,000 get nothing

2. Hon PHIL GOFF (Leader of the Opposition) to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement From 1 April, every working New Zealander will get more money in their pocket; if so, why? Hon JOHN KEY (Prime Minister) : Yes, I certainly do. Those families who receive Working for Families had their expected 1 April increase brought forward to 1 October last year. That was part of the National Governments policy. [Interruption] Yes, it was part of our policy, I am afraid. All other full-time workers get an increase from 1 April. Therefore, it is true to say that, after 1 April, all working New Zealanders, not just those on Working for Families, will have more money in their pockets. Hon Phil Goff: Why does the Prime Minister not simply admit that, in fact, most New Zealanders who earn under $40,000 and have the responsibility of raising kids get absolutely nothing from the tax cuts today, despite the fact that those are the families that are really struggling to make ends meet? Hon JOHN KEY: I am prepared to admit two things today. The first is that 1.5 million New Zealanders will be grateful they have a National Government, because they have a tax cut. The second thing that I am prepared to admit is that not all is happy within the Labour ranks. You see, unlike my good friend Mr Brownlee, I happen to be a little bit versed in cyberspace, so I went on to David Cunliffes Twitter statement"” Hon Phil Goff: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. You know what the point of order is. You know what the Prime Minister is about to do. As he has done constantly"”and you have not pulled him up for it"”he is about to give an answer that is totally irrelevant to the question that was asked. That will provoke disorder from this side of the House. Hon JOHN KEY: I was just making the very valuable point that Mr Cunliffe, on his"” Mr SPEAKER: The Prime Minister must not use"” Hon David Cunliffe: Speaking to the point of order"” Mr SPEAKER: The member will resume his seat. The matter will be dealt with, because the Prime Minister will not answer the question any further. Hon JOHN KEY: I seek leave to table David Cunliffes Twitter statement where he says that he should be given more chances to answer questions in the House, that he would kick their proverbials if he was given more of a chance, and that if he is not given the chance"”