In this issue of Key Notes, I talk about the main points in the National-led Government's fourth Budget.

Thank you for hosting me again, for what has become my regular post-Budget speech.

Yesterday was Bill English’s fourth Budget and again he has done a remarkable job of managing the Government’s books while continuing to maintain the trust and support of New Zealanders in these difficult times.

I also want to acknowledge the support and constructive involvement of the ACT, United Future and Maori Parties, who are all supporting this Budget, as they have supported the previous three.

I am hugely proud of this Budget. It does what governments around the world are striving to achieve.

It gets the Government’s books back into shape, and does so in a way that continues to support New Zealanders, maintain public services and protect the most vulnerable in our society.

That’s a far cry from the measures many governments overseas have had to introduce.

At the same time, the Government is investing in the future.