Coronavirus: The government confirms that the Covid-19 vaccine will be free, the goals for the next three years are described in a speech from the throne

The Labor government has confirmed that the Covid-19 vaccine will be free in a speech outlining Jacinda Ardern’s goals for the period.

The government’s broader plan for this legislature was presented by Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy in the throne speech on Thursday, with a strong focus on Covid-19 and the economic response to it.

However, other “crises” such as climate change, child poverty, and homelessness will not be neglected while fighting Covid-19.

The speech is delivered by the governor-general as representative of the queen, but written by the prime minister’s office.

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The speech mainly featured the promises made in the Labor Party’s electoral manifesto.

He started with the historic Labor victory – the first one-party majority since the MMP was introduced – and said the Kiwis wanted certainty in “a time of unprecedented international crisis.”

“In this year of crisis, protecting New Zealand and the lives and livelihoods of New Zealanders has been an urgent and ongoing consideration. It’s still like that, ”the speech said.

The speech repeated much of the Labor election manifesto, with promises to build 18,000 public housing units, raise the minimum wage, repeal and replace the Resource Management Act, and support a rapid economic recovery from Covid-19 with heavy investment in infrastructure and incentives. training.

But he also sought to point out that other issues would be addressed as part of the rebuilding.

“Crises do not form an orderly line waiting to be attended. Three of the oldest and most difficult problems in the country require continued and determined action: affordable housing and the homeless, child poverty and the global climate crisis, ”said the Governor General.

“The Government wants to build on the foundations laid in the first term. New Zealand must continue to address these issues, on a larger scale, faster and with cumulative effect. “

The speech said the government had three overarching goals: keeping New Zealanders safe from Covid-19, accelerating economic recovery, and “laying the foundation for a better future.”

In terms of housing, the Government recommitted to build 18,000 public or transitional housing by 2024. It also signaled the timing of the reform of the Resource Management Law, with a “exposure draft” of the new bill that will be published in the first six months of 2021.

The speech also indicated some scope to go beyond what Labor had promised in the housing election campaign, without breaking any specific promises.

“The Government has set the parameters of what it is willing to consider during the electoral campaign. This will not change. But there is room to do more to support both the supply and demand side of housing to see results that are more productive and fair. “

“The government will review its housing environment with a view to implementing policies that improve access to the housing market for first-time home buyers.”

On climate change, the Government re-committed to its goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2030, promised investments in decarbonization and electric vehicles, and promised that it would “respond” to the first carbon budgets suggested by the Climate Change Commission.

“The Government will take measures to decarbonize the transport fleet. It will introduce vehicle emission standards for imported vehicles and will incentivize and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and other low-emission vehicles, including by increasing the Competitive Fund for Low Emission Vehicles, ”said the Governor General.

Regarding poverty, the government promised to “continue” with the “reform” of the welfare system, but did not make specific new promises outside of electoral policy to change the reduction rates and the training incentive subsidy.

“The economic impact of Covid-19 will have a disproportionate effect on those least equipped to deal with it. That will require continued focus and determination to reduce inequality and address child poverty. Progress has been made, but much remains to be done ”, the speech reads.

“The Government will continue the work of the last period that has already seen improvements in the weekly income of around 85,000 single parents at an average of $ 100 per week.”

In health, the government promised that decisions on the Simpson report, which recommends breaking the district’s health board system, would be made in 2020.

The speech from the throne would be followed by a debate later on Thursday.