Dr Eric Crampton: Undue restrictions on restricted briefings

This week, the Treasury barred representatives from the Council of Trade Unions and the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union from attending its restricted briefing for the Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Update.

They had been invited to register their intent to attend the briefing. For organisations that typically attend restricted briefings, registration has largely been a formality – though the number of analysts allowed to attend might vary. But this year, Treasury changed its guidelines. And their applications to attend were rejected.

Point of Order: Buzz from the Beehive - 25/7/23

Taxpayers’ Union is cheered by the slimming of the Cabinet – and it can’t grumble about Churchill trust appointments

One thing to be said about the latest news on the government’s official website is that taxpayers have scant cause for complaint about spending excesses.

One announcement – the reallocation of Kiri Allan’s ministerial portfolios – means more work is being done by a slimmer cabinet. Or rather, more responsibilities are being shared by a reduced cabinet.