Media Release

8 October 2008

What Lurks Behind The Tax Cuts Mr Key?

New Zealand First Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters has warned New Zealanders to look behind the glossy headlines for the real agenda following the announcement of the National Party’s tax and fiscal policies today.

“National’s attempts to focus all attention on its ‘mine’s bigger than yours’ tax package is an exercise in sophistry,” said Mr Peters.

“Nothing in the plan announced today should give anyone confidence National can deliver the positive policies and clear strategy to see our country through the rough road ahead.

“Instead, they are proposing a reduction in workers’ pay conditions, a cut to the state sector, and a reduction in the amount of investment in New Zealand’s businesses. Such policies have led to lower wages, lower investment, and lower growth in the past and will do so again.

“Today’s announcement, like some unwanted Christmas present, is just 1990s policies re-wrapped in the shiny, smiley parcel that is John Key.

“National’s front bench is a relic of the 1990s. The same old faces who nearly destroyed our economy then with their neo-liberal voodoo economic ideology are still sitting on National’s front bench and they have an unfinished agenda.

“Be warned, National’s decision to hold fire on some aspects of its tax package due to current economic conditions will be just the tip of the iceberg. They will use the current crisis in world markets as an excuse to impose drastic changes on our economy like selling strategic assets and cutting New Zealand Superannuation,” said Mr Peters.

ENDS

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