Andrew Williams MP
Spokesperson for Revenue
12 March 2013

Clueless Tax Tinkering From A Clueless Government

The Government is planning to once again attack struggling New Zealand businesses by imposing Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) on company car parks in Auckland and Wellington, says New Zealand First.

Revenue spokesperson Andrew Williams says the latest tinkering by Revenue Minister Peter Dunne is unjustified.

“It will be yet another bureaucratic accounting paper shuffle tying up company time and resources right when business needs less red tape – not more.

“New Zealand business needs to concentrate on growing the economy, not being hassled over mindless tax measures which are nothing more than petty cash gatherers.

“Last year they taxed paper boys and girls. Now they come up with another tax nonsense which just creates more red tape and unfairly discriminates against businesses in Wellington and Auckland.”

Mr Williams says New Zealand First believes in simplifying the tax system so it is fair and equitable across the board.

“An example of our practical support for business is our recently announced Private Member's Bill which would remove FBT on health insurance.

“This would encourage more employers to provide health plans for their employees, thereby taking pressure off the public health system,” says Mr Williams.

ENDS

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Scoop Business: Bathurst Gets Nod For DoC Access To Denniston Mine

Conservation Minister Nick Smith has approved access over conservation estate land for Bathurst Resources to develop an open cast coal mine on the Denniston Plateau, above Westport, to the dismay of environmental opponents.

The timing for Smith’s move avoids Bathurst having to resubmit applications for access agreements under the revised Crown Minerals Act, which comes into force tomorrow and would have required public consultation.

The announcement lands in the middle of delicate negotiations between the company, environmental groups and other interested parties that could pave the way to a broader agreement on the Escarpment proposal, whose resource consents are still subject to court appeals. More>>