Simon Bridges National MP simonbridges.co.nz

On Thursday I gave the opening address at the Safeguard Health and Safety Conference in Auckland.

One of my top priorities as Minister of Labour is to improve New Zealand's workplace health and safety and reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries. I have already created the standalone health and safety crown agency recommended by the Pike River Royal Commission and believe that our workplace health and safety performance can be recognised among the best in the world within 10 years.

Locally, I hosted a morning tea at St Columba Church in Cherrywood with around 50 senior residents. These morning teas are just one of the ways I am able to hear about the issues affecting the people of Tauranga and also let my constituents know about what National is doing for them. We had good discussions on a wide range of issues including food in schools, justice and law and order.

Budget builds momentum to a brighter future

This year's Budget confirms New Zealand is on the right track. It provides more support for families, and it forecasts more economic growth, more jobs, rising wages, and a return to surplus in 2014/15.

The Budget builds on the momentum created by National's four priorities: Responsibly managing the government's books, Building a more competitive and productive economy, delivering better public services and rebuilding Christchurch.

Our responsible financial management will see the government return to surplus in 2014/15 and start paying off debt. We're spending $5.1 billion over four years on new initiatives in areas such as science and innovation, health, education, welfare, and housing. And we're signalling ACC levy cuts for businesses and families.

New Zealand needs a stronger economy to earn its way in the world, and create more jobs, and opportunities.

The Budget outlines reforms to tackle house prices. This includes new regulations for councils in areas where housing is least affordable.

We're delivering better public services and more help for vulnerable families. We're almost doubling funding to tackle rheumatic fever. We're insulating 46,000 more homes for low-income families. This is on top of the 230.000 that will be completed by September. We're providing $198 million over four years to help beneficiaries find work. And we're helping at-risk children get early childhood education.

In health, the Budget is providing $1.6 billion over four years for new initiatives and to meet cost pressures. This includes about $352 million in new funding a year, taking total health spending to $14.7 billion next year, the most ever.

Budget 2013 sets out the next steps in our four priorities. It builds momentum towards a stronger, more stable, economy that can better weather global storms and deliver more opportunities, higher incomes, and more jobs. It continues our work to build a brighter future for Kiwi families.