You've got to hand it to the Orewa Rotary Club.... one would guess they'll need a bigger room for this event next year.

The full text speech is here...

Now I can't say I'm inclined (or have ever been inclined) to vote National. Too many biggots and law and order crusaders (yes Mr Ryall and Mr Smith!) for me. But, I think in Don Brash they have a leader who might just be able to keep those elements in check... a man with at least liberal (classical) leanings...

But, a few quick notes to Mr Brash...

“National will fix the disincentives in the tax system by giving tax cuts to all working New Zealanders.  We are now focusing on correcting the incentives in the welfare system”

The only way to really fix the disincentives in the tax system is to flatten it.

“It should go without saying that that group includes those 65 years of age and over who are in receipt of New Zealand Superannuation – superannuation is not part of the welfare system. The next National Government will maintain Superannuation unchanged.”

Like hell it's not! We need to encourage savings- people shoould not be sponging off the taxpayer because they haven't saved. We need to create a taxation system that encourages saving, phase out national super over time and leave a basic safety net for 65+ers....

“Since 1975, a period over which New Zealand’s population has increased by some 32%, those on the Sickness Benefit have increased by almost 500%, while those on the Invalids’ Benefit have increased by almost 700%. 

Since 1999, New Zealand’s population has increased by 6%, while those on both the Sickness Benefit and the Invalids’ Benefit have increased by 40%.”

And I would guess that our per capita spending on health care is going up too..... it's as though we've been beset by some invisible plague... If I could ask one question of the Minister of Social Welfare it would be this above question.... it SURELY needs and answer and the ACT and National should ask it from the rooftops until they are blue in the face.