John Key MP

National Party Finance Spokesman

20 July 2005

Cullen puts the boot into ex-pats

National Party Finance spokesman John Key has accused Michael Cullen of "supreme arrogance" after a recent speech where he insulted departing ex-pats.

"This makes Labour's charm offensive on ex-pats look like a sick joke."

He is referring to Michael Cullen's address to the Wellington District Law Society on 19 July when he said 'If, as some have suggested, New Zealanders are fleeing as tax exiles to Australia, one can only conclude that those individuals are functionally innumerate, and we are probably better off without them.'

"Not only is Labour waving the white flag of surrender as more than 600 Kiwis a week leave to live in Australia - but now he has resorted to insulting them as they leave.

"What incentive is there to come back when the Finance Minister says you're functionally innumerate, and we are better off without you?

"Labour does not care about this exodus of New Zealanders. Labour does not think it is a problem. National believes it is a very serious problem indeed," says Mr Key

ENDS

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