Opposition forces flatulence tax backdown

Political opposition and farmer fury can claim victory in forcing the Government to back away from the controversial flatulence tax, says National Party Agriculture spokesman David Carter

Mr Carter was commenting on today's statement by the Government that significant progress is being made on a science plan and alternative research funding.

"The Government is clearly giving up on its stupid idea of an $8.4 million tax. It's backing down on collecting the tax off every sheep and cow in New Zealand. And it's backing down on the credibility of the O'Hara report, the original basis for the tax," says Mr Carter. "My question is why didn't the Government check its facts before it tried to impose this ridiculous tax?

"It has taken a huge outcry from farmers and opposition parties to force it to even come to the negotiating table."

But Mr Carter is warning today's announcement by the Government leaves no room for complacency.

"For all we know, Labour could still be hankering to do a deal to introduce an alternative tax," says Mr Carter.

© Scoop Media