Lower Taxes, Less Waste,
More Accountability

Championing Value For Money From Every Tax Dollar

Government should double-down on Pharmac funding by redirecting money from movies to medicines

The Taxpayers’ Union is renewing calls for the government to scrap costly and inefficient film and video game subsidies in order to further clear Pharmac’s wishlist following calls for crucial heart medication to be funded.

A spokesperson for the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union, Sam Warren, said:

“The Government was right not to break the Pharmac funding model. Allowing politicians to pick and choose what medicines get funded simply opens them up to lobbying and risks prioritising those medicines that get the most media attention rather than those that will make the biggest impact in improving the lives of New Zealanders.

“Giving into calls like those to directly fund heart medication, although well intended, will see New Zealanders paying more but getting less as the Pharmac model is undermined.

“Instead the Government would be better to continue to cut wasteful spending and put that funding into Pharmac where it will undoubtedly deliver far higher value for the taxpayer by making evidence-based funding decisions.”


Showing 1 reaction

  • NZTU Media
    published this page in News 2024-07-08 13:09:50 +1200

Join Us

Joining the Taxpayers' Union costs only $25 and entitles you to attend our annual conference, AGM and other events.

Donate

With your support we can make the Taxpayers' Union a strong voice exposing waste and standing up for Kiwi taxpayers.

Tip Line

Often the best information comes from those inside the public service or local government. We guarantee your anonymity and your privacy.