Don Brash MP National Party Leader

7 June 2005

Clark should explain Budget tax confusion

Now that Prime Minister Helen Clark has returned to New Zealand she should be asked to explain the total confusion in the Labour Party over the lack of tax relief in the Budget, says National Party leader Don Brash.

"Labour Party president Mike Williams clearly thought there would be tax relief, and said so. Helen Clark clearly wanted it, but had no idea how to go about it, and Finance Minister Michael Cullen snookered them both," says Dr Brash.

"This rapacious tax-gathering Government has hoovered up $50 billion more from the taxpayers since they came into power.

"As well as fiscal creep sending more and more taxpayers into higher tax brackets, this Government has increased or imposed dozens of levies and taxes since they came to power.

"National believes there is a need for urgent tax relief for middle, mainstream New Zealand," Dr Brash says.

"Helen Clark should state where she stands on this in view of the clear differences within Labour's top ranks.

"Dr Cullen is trying to distract the country with his claims of dirty tricks in order to get attention off the disarray within Labour and the total confusion involved in the Budget.

"If Dr Cullen will not explain, then Helen Clark must. Taxpayers deserve an explanation.

"National will not be diverted from the key issues at this election: tax relief for middle, mainstream New Zealand, education that works, safer streets, and an end to the Treaty gravy train industry."

ENDS

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