Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

Tariff Act Repeal Bill Pulled From Ballot

Tariff Act Repeal Bill Pulled From Ballot


ACT New Zealand Economic Spokesman Sir Roger Douglas was today pleased that his Tariff Act Repeal Bill was drawn from the Ballot, which, if successful would see the removal of all remaining tariffs on imported goods.

“A tariff is a tax imposed on all imported goods and hurts all consumers. It forces us to pay higher prices for goods than we otherwise would, leaving us with less money – if any - to spend elsewhere," Sir Roger said.

"In 2008-09 alone, tariffs cost New Zealand consumers over $52 million more than they would have paid for consumer goods if there were no tariffs in place. Why is the Government taxing people for buying imported bed linen, pots and pans, cutlery, shoes, and iPods? In the current economic climate, that money would have been much better left in consumers’ hands, rather than lining the Government’s pockets.

“Worse still, tariffs hinder our productivity and reduce real wages. Our economy is most productive when we use our resources to produce and sell things we make well, using the proceeds to buy products that would otherwise be very costly for us to make.

“Tariffs artificially protect industries that would otherwise be unable to compete, encouraging continued investment in inefficient industries at the expense of investment in industries in which we are efficient. By removing tariffs investors will no longer have an incentive to invest in industry that requires Government protection to survive.
“This Bill will be another test for a National Party which is increasingly adopting economically unorthodox positions. They have long been advocates for free trade, and so it is time for them to step up and affirm their commitment to open markets,” Sir Roger said.

ENDS


Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.