Dr Cullen’s release of a letter to the media he obtained illegitimately adds to the intensifying use of dirty tricks in this election campaign, says the Northern Employers & Manufacturers Association. The EMA did not leak the confidential letter to Dr Cullen or the media.

The letter from EMA to National Party President John Slater addressed issues relating to a review of trade remedies policy on which the EMA is lobbying Government.

“But business should take note of the big picture issues when casting their votes,” said EMA chief executive Alasdair Thompson.

“The big picture issues are higher taxation, the repeal the Employment Contracts Act, and the addition of millions of dollars to business costs by reverting to the old ACC arrangement.

“Business is unimpressed by these policies of the Labour Party which are not business friendly nor pragmatic as claimed by Dr Cullen.

“The true tax rate is what Government spends; Government in New Zealand spends about 40 per cent of the economy’s income already, which is amongst the highest of developed countries.

“Our businesses need lower taxes to heighten investment and improve our competitiveness. They do not need union interventions to oversee workplace issues.

“The EMA certainly did lobby Government over trade remedy policy and has obtained assurances that Government will continue to work with us on how the dumping of imported goods in New Zealand markets should be controlled.”

Further comment: Alasdair Thompson tel 09 367 0911 (bus.)
09 303 3951 (hme)
025 725 402

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