Ilam MP Gerry Brownlee today said the Alliance announcement of a five percent tariff increase on all goods imported into New Zealand except those from Australia was further proof of his assertion that a Labour-Alliance government would put at least $192 per week of extra costs on to families in New Zealand.

“Alliance leader Jim Anderton denied this at a recent public debate but today confirmed it by announcing his party’s tariff policy which will see a five percent increase on all imported goods other than those from Australia”, said Gerry Brownlee.

“Couple this with the Alliance’s proposal to reverse tax cuts of recent years and the expected 3 percent rise in interest rates in the event of an Alliance-Labour government, and you have quickly racked up the $192 per week.

“The Alliance tariff policy is plain stupid. I have clothing manufacturers in my electorate who have told me that if the tariff on imported goods went up 100, even 200 percent they would still not manufacture them in New Zealand. They are successful businesses that have significant export markets developed as a result of their positioning themselves to produce very high quality goods.

“The sad thing about Mr Anderton’s attitudes to tariffs is that they will not create one single extra job, but they will put some New Zealanders out of work and most definitely dramatically increase the costs of maintaining a family.

“While I am delighted that my proposition is being confirmed by the Alliance, I am deeply troubled that this means reduced opportunity for my constituents,” said Mr Brownlee.

ENDS

© Scoop Media