Jenny Shipley Leader of the Opposition

20 June 2001

Tax review a 'golden opportunity' for intelligent debate

National leader Jenny Shipley has welcomed the strong statement made today by the chairman of the Tax Review, when he said; 'The structure of the tax system has changed dramatically in the last 35 years, in line with a growing view that broad-based low-rate revenue-raising strategies are the most efficient and the fairest in a modern, open society.'

"Many of the key messages in the interim report reflect that approach," Mrs Shipley said.

"The report suggests that simplification of the tax system is the direction to go, and that envy taxes (such as those Labour and the Alliance have introduced) achieve little. It also suggests that reducing tax on company production and on people's work and effort are key considerations for the benefit of us all, and that taxing bad environmental practises is worth considering. These are all areas which National will consider seriously.

"This interim tax report provides a golden opportunity for the New Zealand public, business leaders and political parties to thrash out the range of options available to us, based on this report's research. It's an opportunity to put together plans that will see New Zealand grow and ensure that individuals who try are rewarded for their efforts.

"The interim report of the Tax Review is a hugely valuable and well researched resource document which National will use as we consider the tax policies of the next National Government," Mrs Shipley said.

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