The Green Party will support the Government on certain tax reforms to improve living standards, while fighting for beneficiaries and minimum wage earners, Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei says.
In a "State of the Planet" speech at the Wellington waterfront today, Ms Turei said the party would fight for people who needed extra support.
"Courage and compassion are not features of John Key's government. He has not created real jobs for New Zealanders. His people have instead sunk to attacking those with no power to reply...
"The Government attacks our most vulnerable citizens without even the evidence to attempt to justify it."
Ms Turei said the government would be better off restoring benefits to a liveable standard, bringing back a child allowance, and building more social housing.
Ms Turei said the minimum wage was "pitiful" and many fulltime workers needed top-ups to cover basics like food and housing.
The Green Party was working alongside Unite union on a campaign to have the minimum wage raised to $15 an hour.
"Lifting the minimum wage lifts the wages of low income people generally. Higher wages encourage more people into work.
"It also reduces labour market churn, improves training opportunities, and on-the-job experience for lower-paid workers. This is good for productivity. This is good for all New Zealanders." The Government "bashed some beneficiaries because it is easier to persecute the poor than to raise the minimum wage", Ms Turei said.
The Green Party would support legislation on certain tax reforms to make the tax system "more balanced", Ms Turei said.
They were opposed to an increase in GST or cuts in the top levels of income tax, but supported a capital gains tax, and debate on how a tax package including land tax could increase access to affordable housing.
"Our support is there if John Key's Government wants to make a bold move towards a tax system that promotes affordable housing and a more equal society," Ms Turei said.
