Steven Joyce: Former Finance Minister previews Budget 2026, backs public sector cuts

A Former Finance Minister expects this year's Budget to invest in health, education, and defence – with cuts elsewhere.  Budget 2026 is being unveiled tomorrow, opening up the Government's books and detailing when a return to surplus is possible.  Steven Joyce told Mike Hosking re-prioritisation is the story of the week, and he's backing further cost-savings in the public sector.  The Government aims to cut around 8,700 jobs in the public service by mid-2029, with savings set to be re-invested.  Joyce told Hosking we've had an increase in public servants since 2017, but outcomes aren't significantly better.  He says many believe it has just increased the churn, and number of meetings.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.