Wednesday 30th Jun 1999

Rodney Hide

ACT Finance Spokesman Rodney Hide today said the Government must stop its dithering over tax cuts and get on with making them happen.

"ACT's clear plan and costings for an immediate three cent tax cut to the top rate of tax put National in a very difficult position. Businesses want a tax cut. That's what they are telling the Government.

"While ACT set out a clear and affordable plan, National has had to go back to the drawing board and come up with something of its own. It has failed to do so. National's credibility is on the line with its continued dithering over tax cuts.

"The Government knows ACT's work is correct and that a three cent tax cut is not only affordable, but it's exactly what business and the economy needs. The Government's own officials checked the figures and confirmed ACT's calculations were right - and, on the conservative side.

"Business has given up watching Bill English's tax cut striptease. National's traditional business ally's are now openly calling for the Government to get on and set out a programme of tax cuts. The failure to do so is damaging the Government's credibility.

"ACT has done the work and set out the figures, for the last six months we - and the rest of the country, have been waiting for National to do the same," said Rodney Hide.

ENDS

© Scoop Media