Media Release

28 August 2000

Petrol Prices Means Huge Tax Windfall for Government

“Dr Michael Cullen is not too accurate with figures, because no matter how you do the numbers, the motorist is being taken”, claims New Zealand First Transport and Energy Spokesperson, Peter Brown.

“Mr Brown was responding to the suggestion by Dr Cullen that the Government is not benefiting through an increased tax take from higher petrol and diesel prices.

“This is simply not true”, said Peter Brown.

“Petrol sales are up on last year’s figures, so too is the GST being taken overall by the Government.

“I challenge Dr Cullen to state the total amount of GST the Government has taken in recent times and the amount taken in the equivalent period last year. My information tells me it is up by some 5-6%.

“It seems to me a classic case of win-win for the Government, and lose-lose for the motorists, they are paying more for their petrol and as a consequence, higher taxes also,” concluded Peter Brown.

ENDS

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