What's Happened To Don Brash's Bold Tax And Welfare Plans ?

Rodney Hide
Monday, 27 June 2005
Press Releases - Social Welfare

ACT Leader Rodney Hide today called on National to 'fess up about what it's doing with its tax and welfare policies.

"New Zealanders want a real change of government and a positive change of direction.

"That means tax cuts so that hard-working New Zealanders keep more of what they earn. And it means welfare reform to end welfare abuse. ACT has a plan for reducing welfare and cutting taxes.

"The National Party is backing away from the tough issues.

"Don Brash announced bold polices on tax and welfare and government spending. But the National Party has watered those polices down.

"National talks tax cuts, but now won't walk the talk. That's because they signed up to the dopey Cullen Fund that Don Brash correctly called financial "smoke and mirrors".

"It's the same for welfare. The bold policies announced by Don Brash in January at Orewa II have been quietly dropped. These policies were no automatic entitlement to extra funding for extra children while on the DPB and part-time work for solo parents once their eldest child turns five and full-time once their oldest is 14. The National Party has weakened its stand on welfare abuse.

"National has undermined Don Brash's welfare stand.

"National has pinched ACT's words but not ACT's policies. It's time National walked the talk and let voters know how much they've watered down their tax and welfare policies.

ENDS

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