Tobacco Tax And War Memorial

The House made progress on business as it sat in committee on Wednesday night.

The National War Memorial Park (Pukeahu) Empowering Bill completed its committee stage on a voice vote without amendment.

The Customs and Excise (Tobacco Products-Budget Measures) Amendment Bill, which legislates for four cumulative 10 percent annual rises in tobacco tax.

All parties supported the bill, but many Opposition MPs were suspicious that the Government was more interested in the extra $528 million revenue than the health impact.

There was also criticism that the rise in tobacco tax will be taken out of the CPI adjustment for beneficiaries, with Labour indicating it would vote against this when the bill was divided into parts.

The bill was also reported without amendment on a voice vote.

The House rose at 10pm interrupting the Taxation (Annual Rates, Returns Filing, and Remedial Matters) Bill.

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