Media statement
Thursday, May 17, 2007

United Future's Budget triumphs

United Future leader Peter Dunne is today celebrating the huge gains achieved by the party in Budget 2007

"The highly significant initiatives announced in the Budget are a massive payoff for all those United Future supporters who have stuck with the party through challenging times to deliver on the promises of MMP and commonsense, consensus politics," he said.

"As Revenue Minister, I have been able to work very closely with Finance Minister Dr Michael Cullen in implementing some of the biggest tax changes this country has seen in twenty years or more.

"We share the goal of wanting to see New Zealand become a more innovative, forward-looking, job-rich, family-friendly country and we have worked co-operatively to create the conditions that will realize those goals.

"The $3.4 billion Business Tax Reform package cuts the company tax rate to 30 per cent.

"This will promote investment, help create more jobs and help our businesses to compete globally.

"The new 15 per cent R&D tax credit will encourage businesses to invest more in R&D, which will also help to boost productivity and competitiveness.

"In down-to-earth human terms, these reforms will help make New Zealand a better place to live, work and raise a family.

"The enhanced KiwiSaver scheme is also forward-looking, rewarding those who make a long-term commitment to their futures, ensuring that all New Zealanders have a decent standard of living in retirement."

Mr Dunne pointed to United Future's confidence and supply agreement with Labour, which highlighted the need to improve methods for charitable giving in the community.

"I can modestly say we have delivered bigtime,

"Budget 2007 removes the cap on tax rebates for charitable donations and I confidently expect philanthropy in New Zealand to get a big boost from that measure alone.

"The changes will also mean donations from corporates and Maori organizations can be raised as well.

"United Future has long campaigned for a comprehensive pest control strategy so that New Zealand can retain its environment for those who enjoy the great outdoors and we're delighted with $200,000 funding in Budget 2007 for establishing the Deer, Thar and Chamois management programme."

Mr Dunne said these are just some of the gains United Future has been able to negotiate from its position as a centrist support party for the Government and demonstrated – yet again – that MMP can work, when parties are willing to listen to each other and work together.

ENDS

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