Hipkins is button-mashing with taxpayer money

“Chris Hipkins thinks he can buy support from business. He’s not listening to what businesses actually need, so he’s resorted to bribes,” says ACT Science and Innovation spokesperson Dr Parmjeet Parmar in response to Labour's policy to expand videogame subsidies.

“ACT opposed Labour’s videogame subsidy when it was introduced in 2023. Their policy to expand the subsidy is more corporate welfare, just like their 'Future Fund' gimmick. It's a handout for fashionable firms, paid for by the businesses and taxpayers who aren't considered special enough for a subsidy.

“Labour says the gaming sector is booming. Great, but if a sector is growing by 86 percent, it clearly doesn't need a subsidy. Meanwhile we've got sectors like hospo, retail, and manufacturing that are doing it tough but don't get the same attention because they're not sexy.

“We won't subsidise our way to prosperity because corporate welfare, just like any kind of welfare, creates dependency. Subsidies also send the wrong message, that the way to get ahead is by cosying up to politicians, not delivering a product or service people actually want.

"Labour haven't explained what taxes they'll hike, or what services they'll cut, to fund their corporate welfare policies. Meanwhile in Government, we've got ACT finding savings to make spending possible. The difference with our spending is that it's focused on core services like health, education, and prisons that all New Zealanders expect for their taxes.

“ACT has always said that instead of picking winners, we should fix the problems facing all businesses. That’s why ACT is cutting red tape across the board. David Seymour is removing barriers to overseas investment so capital can go to the best ideas. Brooke van Velden is making it easier to hire and simplifying health and safety and annual leave. Nicole McKee is making it easier to get finance from the bank."