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Let’s not set back taxpayers’ rights by 327 years


Let’s not set back taxpayers’ rights by 327 years

Michael Woodhouse’s move to bypass parliamentary approval of tax changes via Orders of Council would take taxpayers’ rights back 327 years, says ACT Leader David Seymour. The move was first noticed by the Taxpayers’ Union last week.

“The Bill of Rights 1689, a mainstay of New Zealand law, is clear: no taxes should be levied without the authority of Parliament," says Mr Seymour. "So why is Michael Woodhouse breaking 327 years of precedent? And why didn’t he propose the change earlier, when it could have been debated in the Taxation Bill’s first reading?

“The Minister of Revenue ought to advocate for the rights of taxpayers – not breach taxpayers’ rights for the convenience of the IRD.

“If the IRD’s software transition requires any pressing tax changes, then the Government can always use parliamentary urgency. What’s important is that tax changes go through parliamentary process and scrutiny, instead of being signed off behind closed doors.

“The Minister should withdraw his amendment immediately, or risk being responsible for taking taxpayers’ rights back to before Captain Cook got here.”

The Supplementary Order Paper can be viewed here.

ENDS

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