David Carter National Agriculture Spokesman

3 July 2003

Hodgson Hides From Farmers

National's Agriculture spokesman David Carter is calling on Pete Hodgson to front up to farmers furious about the controversial 'flatulence tax'.

"It's insulting of the Minister in charge of climate change to claim 'other engagements' are preventing him attending nationwide farmer meetings to talk about this discriminatory tax. These meetings are supposed to be about consultation.

"All Pete Hodgson has done is lash out at Federated Farmers, accusing it of waging a disinformation campaign.

"This shows just how out of touch this Government is with the rural sector.

"It's not surprising farmers are outraged about this tax. It's just the latest in a long line of compliance costs heaped on agriculture.

"If this week's rowdy meetings in Hamilton and Palmerston North are anything to go by, Pete Hodgson can expect a similar revolt from South Island farmers at the meeting in Christchurch tomorrow (Friday) and Mosgiel on Monday.

"Maybe that's the real reason he has 'other engagements'," says Mr Carter.

Ends

© Scoop Media