David Carter National Associate Finance Spokesperson

24 October 2001

McLeod Report shows Govt out of step

The McLeod Report is a million-dollar embarrassment for the Government, National's Associate Finance spokesperson, David Carter said today.

"National welcomes the conclusion that lower taxes are better for the economy. We will also be looking at the detailed recommendations for a better system. We are particularly impressed with their work on the taxation of foreign investment.

"Dr Cullen has argued against lower taxes and his new Superfund locks New Zealand into current tax rates and new taxes over the next 20 years.

"The McLeod Report raises the level of political debate above the Government's narrow ideological view. New Zealand needs to be competitive for investment and needs to retain and attract talented people. Lower taxes will help both.

"The Government seems determined to consign the McLeod Report to the dustbin, just as they dismissed the conclusions of the Knowledge Wave Conference.

"Helen Clark and Michael Cullen are increasingly out of step with the strong consensus in favour of lower taxes and a more competitive economy.

"There are some radical ideas in the Report but it's mostly the kind of mainstream advice most governments are following," David Carter said.

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