Fiddling with tax code not wanted by productive sector - Prebble

Sunday 11th Jul 1999

Richard Prebble

Media Release -- Economy

Fiddling with tax code not wanted by productive sector - Prebble

ACT leader Richard Prebble says National's preoccupation with fiddling with the tax code is missing the electorate's real concerns.

"Small businesses, primary producers and exporters are telling ACT is that they are totally frustrated with red tape and bureaucratic waste. The business sector is concerned that a Labour-Alliance government would increase the burden further and Bill English is missing a great opportunity to make slashing red tape an election issue," Mr Prebble said.

"Fiddly little changes with the tax code together with statements indicating even more social spending sends a message that the government is out of touch with the frustrations of the productive sector.

"A bold plan to reduce unnecessary regulation and a commitment to the equivalent of the Fiscal Responsibility Act for new regulations would have achieved far more than tax changes, which while welcome, are poorly designed and the business sector knows will have only a marginal effect.

"The one good aspect of the package is that it highlights the voting choice, as the tax gap between National and Labour is now $800 million while that between ACT and the Alliance is now over $2 billion.

"ACT MPs have toured the length and breadth of New Zealand over the last 3 weeks and to be frank, no-one asked us for a one cent tax cut. Businesses from one end of New Zealand to the other have asked for relief from the stifling burden of red tape and bureaucracy. It's an election-winning issue which ACT now owns totally," Mr Prebble said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media