Opinion: No surprises left in Budget announcement

Finance Minister Bill English is congratulated by Prime Minister John Key and fellow National MPs after reading his Budget 2016 in the House, Parliament, Wellington.

With all the pre-budget announcements coming thick and fast I wonder why the Minister of Finance even bothers to do the usual "stand up in the house" to formally present Budget 2017.

It's Finance Minister Steven Joyce's first one. I guess there is kudos attached, how many Members of Parliament make it to be Minister of Finance, so this must be an important milestone for a new minister at least.

But pre-budget announcements have taken away the surprise, or shock, we used to get when listening to it being presented. There was a time before we watched the live TV broadcast, when we would listen to it being broadcast from Parliament on the radio.

"What's in it for me" has strong watching and listening power. We want to know as soon as possible how better off we'll be. And not just the additional dollars public services will get but if there is to be any increase in the price of petrol, cigarettes and alcohol. This always caused predictable grumbling and groaning. I remember on many occasions lines of cars at service stations tanking up with gas just before budget day. Now we don't have to bother, petrol companies increase their prices at will.

There is still the media lockdown in Wellington and Auckland. Journalists are given a two-hour heads-up before the Minister presents the budget in Parliament. They have an opportunity to listen, ask questions, and get clarity on issues they will comment on. The media get their views and opinions out almost at the same time the Minister is presenting his budget in the house. They hand their mobile phones in on the way into the lockdown and pick them up on the way out. Everyone is supposed to get off the starting blocks at the same time. It's a wonder they don't just Skype these days. Technology should be used to keep everyone interested but surely there is no need to turn up in person. Pre-election announcements make the lockdown seem superfluous. Much of the budget detail has already been disclosed by various ministers.

Is there much to look forward to in Budget 2017 now that we know where some of the main increases in funding will occur? Already announced: additional $59.2 million to ensure all road ambulance callouts are double-crewed, $303.9m will be allocated for New Zealand Screen Industry Grants, both globally and domestically, a new $102m package for Tourism Infrastructure Fund with $76m in new funding for the DOC Estate for new and upgraded tourism infrastructure. There is to be an additional $74.6m to further Callaghan Innovation's R&D Growth Grants, $27m will be allocated for marae to help with repair, restoration and revitalisation, and an extra $60m for Pharmac to provide New Zealanders with access to new medicines. A whopping $321m will be invested in funding for social investment initiatives, designed to help vulnerable families with $68.8m going to support vulnerable children. Another whopper - up to $812m for reinstating State Highway 1 between Picton and Christchurch.

Minister Joyce said he had four key areas in mind when preparing this year's Budget. First, delivering better public services; second, building infrastructure; third, reducing debt and forth, reducing the tax burden. I like what I have heard so far. All areas where more dollars will allow for better long-term outcomes for New Zealand families and business. This must surely be the aim of a well-rounded, carefully crafted budget.

I still think on September 25, the Finance Minister should stand up in parliament, hold up the 2017 Budget tome and announce "well here it is. The major announcements have been made so if you want further details get a copy and have a look, it's all here. Otherwise Mr Speaker I suggest we take it as read and call it an early day". I'm sure he'll get the usual long round of applause, followed by numerous pats on the back.

I suspect members on all sides of the house would be more than happy, possibly relieved even, to "take it as read".

Merepeka lives in Rotorua. She writes, speaks and broadcasts to thwart the spread of political correctness.