David PARKER

Deputy Leader

Spokesperson for Finance

8 September 2014 MEDIA STATEMENT

Vague tax cuts before surplus don’t cut it

National cannot get away with announcing tax cuts before the books are in the black and not providing any specifics until after the election, Labour’s Finance spokesperson David Parker says.

“John Key is being completely irresponsible. Promising vague tax cuts that may, or may not, provide Kiwis with a few dollars a week in a few years’ time provides no information for New Zealand voters.

“Labour has provided the most detailed fiscals of any opposition party with a comprehensive framework that spells out in detail our revenue, spending and debt reduction plans.

“We have also done the numbers on ACT and the Conservatives tax policies which will cost the country over $10 billion a year. John Key’s budget includes no allowance for third parties. Ours does. How is he going to afford their promises?

“National went into the 2008 election promising 'significant tax cuts for low and middle income earners' which were scrapped on taking office.

“Two years later the 'significant tax cuts' became higher GST, and income tax reductions that disproportionally went to those on higher incomes.

“Six years and $60 billion of debt later, here we go again.

“With exports in decline, growth halving and wages stagnating, New Zealand needs economic policies that will support investment, innovation and industry and create better jobs with higher wages. That’s what Labour’s Economic Upgrade will do,” David Parker said.

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