National and Labour fought their way through pitfalls and panics in 2008 with the prize of election victory never out of their sights. NZPA Political Editor PETER WILSON reports on the year that changed the face of Parliament.
By Kevin Norquay of NZPA Wellington, Dec 16 NZPA - This was the year New Zealand lost its most famous and treasured citizen, notched its greatest day at an Olympic Games, and voted for a change of Government.
By Kevin Norquay of NZPA Wellington, Dec 16 NZPA - This was the year New Zealand lost its most famous and treasured citizen, notched its greatest day at an Olympic Games, and voted for a change of Government.
Putting Parliament into urgency and passing two controversial bills last week was the best thing the Government could have done for the Labour Party.
The National-led Government has passed its first major legislation -- enshrining tax cuts and KiwiSaver changes into law. The Taxation (Urgent Measures and Annual Rates) Bill passed its third reading this morning by 68 votes to 52.
Parliament is close to passing the Government's tax cuts legislation, with the Labour Party fighting the bill to the last minute.
Labour said last night it had forced the Government to admit low income workers would be worse off under its tax cuts than they would have been if the previous government's long-range package had been left alone.
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