The feedback I have received since Budget 2015 was announced has been overwhelmingly positive. People can see that the National-led Government is keeping its promise to responsibly manage the books while delivering better public services for New Zealanders.
One of the largest expenditures in any Budget is in Health. Over the next four years National is investing around $1.7 billion into new initiatives and to meet cost pressures and population growth. Total spending has increased to a record $15.9b in the coming year.
It is essential we ensure that this money is being spent where it is needed most and will have the greatest benefit. Since taking office in 2008 we have focused on reducing administration costs and investing in more doctors and nurses. Under former Health Minister Tony Ryall and now Jonathan Coleman, we have streamlined health sector services to make each dollar go further.
Budget 2015 included an extra $76.1 million over four years for more hospice and palliative care services. From July 1, Bay of Plenty District Health Board will receive an extra $720,000 a year for Hospice Eastern Bay of Plenty and Waipuna Hospice.
This funding means the staff at these hospices will be able to better support terminally ill people at home and in aged-care facilities.
