This year’s Budget has once again confirmed that National’s commitment to improving New Zealand’s awful workplace death and injury toll is hollow, says Darien Fenton, Labour’s Health and Safety spokesperson.

The Government is trying to pass legislation under urgency which would make the Anadarko Amendment - which limits protest at sea - apply to an additional 1.7 million square kilometres, the Green Party said today.

Contrary to Green Party claptrap that more and better roads don’t reduce congestion, Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee today welcomed further evidence they do.

"And what’s more, private and commercial vehicle operating costs are falling along with emissions," Mr Brownlee says.

Police Minister Anne Tolley says Labour is continuing its campaign to mislead the public and undermine confidence in the Police.

"Our Police deserve praise for making our communities safer and for the drop in crime in each of the past three years," says Mrs Tolley.

New Zealand First is disappointed at the Government sneaking through a piece of legislation, which will breach the rights of disabled adults and their family members.

"They should be ashamed of themselves," says Disability Issues spokesperson, Barbara Stewart.

Government spending increases for some services for older people will help, but do not go far enough, according to Age Concern New Zealand.

That the Government can find $40 million to help fund private schools but won’t spend just a third of that to feed hungry kids is nothing short of obscene, Labour's spokesperson for Children, Jacinda Ardern, says.

Hutt Valley’s two city councils will ask residents for their views on the future of regional governance in a combined consultation beginning on Tuesday 28 May.

New Zealand First says that cuts to Customs and Biosecurity in the Budget will create gaping holes in New Zealand’s defences against foreign pests and diseases.

Heavy-handed tactics being used against some overseas student loan borrowers will do nothing to encourage them to come home, start paying their loans, and contribute to New Zealand's future, says Labour's Tertiary Education spokesperson, Megan Woods.