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Government to be forced into another backdown


30 November 2017

Government to be forced into another backdown

The Government is going to have to walk back another of its key policy planks after the Trade Minister’s plan for a tax on water exports was confirmed as illegal by his own officials, National Party Leader Bill English says.

“The Labour NZ First coalition agreement includes a pledge to introduce a tax on bottled water exports – proposed by Trade Minister David Parker.

“But today, Mr Parker’s trade officials confirmed that a tax on bottled water would not only breach the CPTPP trade agreement, but also New Zealand’s existing free trade agreements.

“While the idea has merit - and the previous Government took the responsible step of seeking recommendations on the matter - the new Government has committed to it without even seeking advice from its legal and trade experts on whether or not such a tax is possible.

“This next backtrack follows u-turns and broken promises on immigration, national standards, GST on online goods, Pike River, partnership schools and their promise to be more transparent – among others.

“This Government is developing a reputation for being secretive and disorganised – and for failing to follow through on its promises.

“New Zealanders deserve better,” Mr English says.


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