24 June 2005 Media Statement

Tax policy announcement from National on Sunday?

“National Party delegates are surely entitled to expect that Don Brash will announce this weekend the tax platform National will take into the election,” Finance Minister Michael Cullen said today.

“The traditional leader’s speech on Sunday seems the logical platform,” Dr Cullen said.

“National initially promised an announcement within three to four weeks of the budget. They have already missed that deadline by more than a week.

“They have also been all over the paddock on what their policy will look like, and when it will take effect.

“Dr Brash said on budget day that the growth in spending contained within the budget made substantial tax cuts impossible. Now he is promising substantial cuts across the board.

“His finance spokesperson John Key promised tax cuts by Christmas. Now they are saying 1 April at the earliest.

“The impression created is of a caucus in disarray.

“A failure by Dr Brash to detail their tax intentions on Sunday will only reinforce that perception,” Dr Cullen said.

ENDS

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