Farmers' ACC Levy Hike Disgraceful

Thursday 5 Aug 2004

Gerry Eckhoff - Press Releases - Rural

ACT New Zealand Rural Affairs Spokesman Gerry Eckhoff today slammed ACC's attempt to increase farmers' levies, and described the move as unfair and discriminatory.

"Today's announcement, that farmers will be forced to pay nine percent more in ACC levies, is disgraceful," Mr Eckhoff said.

"ACC has direct access to every farmer's cheque book, and it appears to be continuing to abuse its monopoly.

"Yet again, rural New Zealand is being pummelled by a Labour Government that doesn't give a stuff about farmers.

"Agriculture Minister Jim Sutton must stand up for the farming community he purports to represent at the Cabinet table and prevent this levy hike from becoming a reality.

"When will the Government recognise that farming remains the back bone of our economy and start treating it as such.

"Labour should be ashamed of the way it treats our farmers. I pledge to fight this wacky decision till the bitter end, and I urge my fellow farmers to do the same," Mr Eckhoff said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

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