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Budget 2008

Libertarianz Alternative Budget 2008

Video: Video: Bernard Darnton explaining the Alternative Budget

"I'm pleased to present a real alternative to the tax-and-spend budget that Labour will present at 2 pm today," Libertarianz Leader Bernard Darnton said today.

"Unlike Michael Cullen, Libertarianz believes your money belongs to you," explains Darnton. "That's why our budget is designed to slash taxes and let you keep far more of your own money."

"Other parties will be making a big deal about finally offering you a tax cut this year. Libertarianz policy has always been and will always be to cut taxes as fast and as hard as possible. If you are lucky, Michael Cullen will grudgingly give you back $20 a week after nine years in power. John Key is offering $50 – eventually."

"Libertarianz will make the first $50,000 of income tax-free immediately. This means that the average New Zealand household, with an income of $68,000, would keep an extra $403 per week, going a long way to offset rising food, electricity and fuel prices."

"We will also immediately get rid of GST, knocking $20 off a $250 grocery bill and ten dollars off the price of a tank of petrol."

"The government will say they can't afford this – but it's not their money – it's YOURS. You have the right to spend your money however you wish. Libertarianz is pro-choice when it comes to your money."

"Of course you can't cut tax without cutting government spending – and we're happy to oblige. Education, health, and superannuation are far too important to be left in the hand of politicians."

"We will allow people to spend as much or as little of their money on these as they wish. It is up to you to decide how much to spend on your family's healthcare, your family's education and your family's future."

"Schools and hospitals will be given back, as shares, to all New Zealanders. All other state assets not required for the essential functions of government (law and order, and defence) will be sold. The proceeds will be used to fund superannuation and healthcare for the retired, along with residual obligations such as ACC, invalids benefits. The DPB will continue for three years."

"The only legitimate function of government is to safeguard the rights and freedoms of New Zealanders. To this end, Libertarianz is committed to expenditure for two areas: law and order, and defence. We will spend an extra ten billion dollars over five years upgrading New Zealand's woeful defence capability. This means more frigates, more Orions, rebuilding the strike wing of the Air Force, and providing su rveillance aircraft for border protection. These are key components of building a credible defence force."

"With the Libertarianz budget, the churning of money through the government's sticky fingers will be almost eliminated by the tax-free threshold. A flat tax on income over that $50,000 threshold of 25%, reducing 5% per year for 5 years, will fund a smooth transition. After 5 years, no more revenue will collected from the citizenry by coercion or force. Taxes will be voluntary."

Darnton concludes, "It's enough to make you vote Libertarianz!"

 Watch Libertarianz Leader Bernard Darnton explain the Alternative Budget at Libz TV: http://www.libz.tv/

 A detailed summary of the 2008 Libertarianz Alternative Budget is available in spreadsheet form at the Libertarianz website.

ENDS

For more information, see www.libertarianz.org.nz

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