Dear The Treasury,

I am writing to request, under the Official Information Act, any advice provided by the Treasury to the Minister of Finance regarding the economic implications of recent or planned budget cuts, with particular focus on the following:

1. Impact on Aggregate Demand: How budget cuts may influence overall demand within the economy.
2. Potential Downward Spirals in GDP: Any analysis or projections related to the risk of negative GDP growth due to such cuts.
3. Shocks to Consumer and Business Confidence: The expected effects of these cuts on consumer spending and business investment.
4. Historical and Current Macroeconomic Data: Relevant data and trends from the past and present to support these analyses.
5. International Studies on Austerity: Any international studies or evidence that the Treasury has used to assess the economic impacts of austerity measures, including relevant comparisons with New Zealand's situation.
6. Advice on Spending Cuts During a Private Sector Recession: Whether the Treasury has provided advice on the impacts of implementing spending cuts while the private sector is in recession, particularly regarding potential effects on unemployment levels.

Additionally, I would like to know whether the Treasury continues to provide free and frank advice to the Minister of Finance, as required by its role, or if such advice has been influenced or constrained by ministerial preferences or other political considerations.

Thank you for your assistance.

Yours faithfully

Adam Irish