Sandra Goudie MP
National Party Internal Affairs Spokeswoman

4 September 2007

No Costings Done on Fire Fevy Shake-up

National Party Internal Affairs spokeswoman Sandra Goudie says Internal Affairs Minister Rick Barker has confirmed that “he doesn’t have the first clue” about how much his proposed shake-up of fire levies will cost or who it’ll hurt.

“Having billed his proposals as meeting ‘New Zealand’s needs for the next 30 years and beyond’, everyone assumed he might have had some idea about the impact of his proposals and the costs on those who will be affected.

“Sadly, he hasn’t done his homework.”

Ms Goudie asked questions in Parliament today about a letter declining a request for official information because costings do not exist. (letter attached)

“What message does he have for Fonterra which said in its submission that the proposals were ‘flawed and inequitable’ and what message does he have for the Insurance Brokers Association which says the Minister’s proposals will shift the burden ‘to weigh more heavily on responsible businesses’?

“Is this what he had in mind when he said these proposals would ‘meet New Zealand’s needs for the next 30 years and beyond’?”

Mrs Goudie asked Mr Barker if he agreed with rudimentary costings published by the NBR newspaper which suggest levy costs could increase by more than 2,100% at Corrections, and 1,950% at District Health Boards.

“How can he disagree with these estimates, given that by his own admission costings have not been done?

“Mr Barker’s kite-flying exercise has angered hard-working fire volunteers and the industry that would be responsible for collecting his new levies.

“Like the paralysis gripping Labour in other areas, these proposals will need drastic re-writing during the select committee process. Is this what it’s come to – Labour wasting Parliament’s time announcing policies that have no costings, no consultation and no chance of success?”

Ends

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