Finance Minister Grant Robertson has defended the Government's half yearly mini-budget after National's Steven Joyce accused it of adding high levels of debt to the nation during Parliament's question time today.
Mr Joyce asked Mr Robertson about the Government's debt track which he claims will increase drastically over the next four years.
"Does he stand by his comments about fiscal responsibility, if so why is his debt track increasing so much over the next few years from $60 billion to $69.4 billion over the next four years?"
A fired up Finance Minister gave Mr Joyce both barrels in his response, blaming the previous National Government for the increased debt.
"In terms of cash debt we have inherited a massive infrastructure deficit, we've got to build some affordable houses, we want to contribute to the super fund.
"Therefore we will take on debt to clean up the mess of the previous Government," Mr Robertson said.
Mr Joyce continued his line of questioning on the budget, asking: "Is he confident he can meet the coalition commitments, all 51 of them as set out in the budget policy statement?"
Mr Robertson then outlined his confidence in the latest budget.
"I am proud to stand by that document, as it is a document that addresses the under-funding in health, education and police that we have been left with."
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