Focus on Politics: New financial year

July the first marks the beginning of the new financial year - and with it comes a raft of changes heralded by the new Government. Its flagship families policy will deliver a boost for low and middle-income earners. New parents will get another four weeks leave and a baby allowance. And superannuitants and most beneficiaries are in line for a winter payment. The Government will be hoping all that distracts from the Auckland fuel tax which kicks in on the same day.