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Wednesday, February 21, 2024

David Farrar: Smart politics


NewstalkZB reports:

Prime minister christopher luxon has cut the amount ministers can spend on taxpayer-funded cars and will not get one for himself as the focus goes on the Government's cost-saving demands across the public sector.

Luxon's office said he had cut the cap on ministers' self-drive cars from $85,000 to $70,000, but had otherwise not changed the criteria for ministers who take up the entitlement to a car. A spokesman confirmed Luxon would not be taking the entitlement himself.

A smart move politically. The savings are very small (maximum $450,000) but it is important not to be seen as demanding your own areas are exempt from saving money.

David Farrar runs Curia Market Research, a specialist opinion polling and research agency, and the popular Kiwiblog where this article was sourced. He previously worked in the Parliament for eight years, serving two National Party Prime Ministers and three Opposition Leaders.

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